Book of Revelation

The Revelation of Jesus Christ

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Third Year Cirriculum

TEXTBOOK

Revelation

The Revelation of Jesus Christ

DELIVERANCE BIBLE INSTITUTE

Arundel, Maine, USA

Some Keys to Studying the Book of Revelation

Key Texts:

Study Outline

  1. Introduction [1:1-8]
  2. Christ and the 7 Golden Candlesticks [1:9-20]
  3. 7 Letters to 7 Churches [2-3]
  4. Vision of the Throne [4]
  5. Seven Seals [5-8:1]
  6. Angels and 7 Trumpets [8:2-13; 9-11]
  7. A War in Heaven and a War on Earth [12]
  8. 2 Beasts and the Dragon [13]
  9. A Lamb Stood on Mount Sion [14:1-5]<
  10. Judgement Hour Messages [14:6-20]
  11. 7 Last Plagues in Vials [15-16]<
  12. Fall of Babylon [17-18]
  13. The Marriage and Marriage Feast of the Lamb [19]
  14. Millenial Kingdom [20:1-10]
  15. Last Judgment [20:11-15]
  16. All Things New [21-22:1-5]
  17. Closing [22:6-21]

Topical Studies

General Instructions on Bible Study

2 Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

2Ti 2:15 — Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

It is often in the process of the work, that unexpected discovery is made.

Ephesians 4:3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

Study with the intent of acquiring truth to help others as well as ourselves. NOT TO WIN A DEBATE

It is true of Scripture as all "manifestations of the Spirit": That the manifestations of the spirit are given to every man to profit withall.

1 Corinthians 12:7 — But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.

Philippians 1:9 — And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment;

2 Peter 1:20,21 — Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. 21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

The Bible is a UNITED work

Some Keys to Studying Revelation in Particular

Daniel 9:13 — As it is written in the law of Moses, all this evil is come upon us: yet made we not our prayer before the LORD our God, that we might turn from our iniquities, and understand thy truth.

It is addressed to 7 churches of Asia. All existed within a 150 sq miles of where John was exiled. 1:1; 3; 9;

4:1 "shortly","John's lifetime"

"the last days" Genesis 49:1; Isaiah 2:2; Micah 4:1; Acts 2:17; 2 Timothy 3:1; Hebrews 1:2; 2 Peter 3:3

IS, IS BEING, WILL BE

In this study, we will seek to faithfully apply the following principles.

Outline of Revelation

  • Two Harvests
  • 7 Vials of Definitive and Final Judgments
  • Those in Heaven Rejoice at the Previous Judgments
  • The Great War
  • 1000 Year Reign
  • All Things New
  • Closing of the Book 'I Come Quickly'

    • Section 1

    Section 1

    Introduction to the Book of Revelation

    1:1 says "…he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John." "Signified" is the Greek word "Semaino" meaning to give a sign or to express or reveal by signs. God in his infinite wisdom has chosen to use the language of symbolism and imagery to communicate this Revelation.

    How can we unlock the symbolism of this book? Mainly by comparing scripture with scripture (2 Peter 1:20) do we understand its symbolism. This Revelation is profoundly positioned as the last book of the Bible. It not only contains prophecy of last things, but it is in its nature a climax to all Biblical revelation. We in part find understanding of the symbolism in Revelation by understanding previously given symbolism. Some examples include: 1) The Four Living Creatures Ezekiel 1:5; Revelation 4:6 2) The 7 Churches of Asia were both literal and symbolic. As the New Testament Epistles were relevant to a first century Church so they are still relevant today. 3) Water of Life John 4:14; Revelation 21:6 This Revelation with all its symbolism was given to John by God's "angel". John himself was puzzled as to the role of this "angel" and eventually falls at his feet in 22:8 to worship him. In verse 9, the angel rebuked him saying he was only a "fellow servant" and that John must only "worship God". The Believer must keep in constant remembrance amidst all the majesty of God's Grace that all the glory belongs to God and we are just "His messengers".

    The Scribe of this Book (1:2)

    Revelation 1:1 …unto His servant John 2 Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw.

    The Apostle John

    He bare record (1:2; John 1:1-14)

    He gave witness (I John 1:1-3; 20:31)

    The Value of this Book (1:3)

    It is rewarding

    "Blessed" - happy, spiritually prosperous, one to be envied

    "He that readeth"

    "They that hear the words"

    "And keep those things which are written"

    It is enlightening (22:10)

    Revelation 22:10--Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand.

    The Premise of this Book(1:4-9)

    We will search out the source, subject, substance and circumstances of the book of Revelation.

    The Sources of this Revelation (1:4,5)

    John

    He is the writer - the Scribe

    The Father

    "Which is, which was, and which is to come."

    The Spirit

    "From the seven Spirits which are before His throne;"

    SEVEN: "Hepta" - signifying to be full - "Pneuma" "Spirit" . Therefore, meaning: a "Seven-fold spirit". God is described here in the fullness of His office and powers.

    The Son

    "And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth."

    The Subjects of this Revelation

    The Churches

    "To the Seven Churches in Asia" v. 4 not church but "churches".

    Their location (Asia) - v. 4

    Their need - v. 7

    Each church had unique needs and problems so a special message is addressed to each of the seven Churches in Asia (Ephesus - Smyrna - Pergamos - etc.)

    The Substance of this Revelation

    Grace - v 4 G-R-A-C-E: God's Riches At Christ's Expense

    Peace - v. 4 Peace from God brings peace with God. Peace with God brings peace with man.

    Consolation - v. 7 "Behold He cometh"

    Confirmation - v. 8 He will keep His word with you.

    The Circumstances of this Revelation v.9

    Common Brotherhood - "your brother"

    Common Suffering - "companion in tribulation"

    Common Royalty - "in the kingdom"

    Common Promise - "patience of Jesus Christ"

    Common Place - "Patmos-a place of exile"

    The Isle of Patmos was a place of EXILE with barren rocks that was located in the open sea. It was in this unfriendly place the awesome revelation was written.

    Section 1

    The Vision

    The Vision (1:10-20)

    The Setting of the Vision (1:10,11)

    Received in the Spirit

    v. 10 "I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day".

    Ezekiel (Ezekiel 37:1) and Paul (I Corinthians 12:2) both speak of a similar "in the spirit" experience. Ezekiel was carried away "in the spirit" to a valley of dry bones. Paul was not sure whether it was in the body or out of the body in which he was caught up to the third heaven. John the Revelator was in a mode and mind of worship when first his ears and then his eyes are opened to the spiritual realm.

    There is no suggestion that John is asleep. The book of Revelation is not the results of John's subconscious, but his experience is presented as if a veil were taken away and he began to hear, see and feel some very real things that were previously muted.

    This Vision was received in the Spirit and can only be understood in the Spirit.

    1 Corinthians 2:14-- But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

    This does not mean the book of Revelation cannot be understood, but that in order to fully understand it we must be in that same condition of communion with the Spirit of God as John.

    Isaiah, Jeremiah, Jesus, and John all gave a message expressly for those with "ears to hear". We can say that the Bible in its entirety was written for those who would yield their hearts, minds, eyes and ears to the Spirit of God. Some are STUBBORN and cover their eyes and ears (Zechariah 7:11; 2 Timothy 4:4) and others are SENSITIVE and make supplication that their eyes and ears would be unstopped! (Isaiah 50:4; Revelation 3:18)

    Isaiah 50:4-- The Lord GOD hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary: he wakeneth morning by morning, he wakeneth mine ear to hear as the learned.

    Given with a Command

    Commanded to Record It

    v. 11 "What thou seest, write in a book"

    This command is not unique to John. Moses (Exodus 17:14), Isaiah (Isaiah 30:8) and Jeremiah (Jeremiah 30:2) all mention they were commanded to record what they heard and saw. Two reasons why this is so important to God is that He knows Humans forget and second, the message was not solely for John.

    Commanded to Share It

    v. 11 "And send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia"

    The current situation of the Christian church demanded counsel and hope. They were under oppression and persecution by the Romans led by Domitian. Domitian was the first Roman Emperor who demanded to addressed as "master and god". Domitian was fairly tolerant of other religions than the state religion of Rome and religions like worship of Egyptian deities even flourished during his reign. Domitian was cruel however toward any religion that threatened especially the belief in his own godhood. According to 4th Century AD Eusebius Jews and Christians were heavily persecuted and even a special temple tax was leavied yearly. (The money was to be sent annually the the temple of Jupiter.)

    2 Corinthians 4:3-- But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:

    As these seven churches of Asia are also symbolic of seven conditions present in every church age, John is writing to us just as much as he was writing to the first century churches. The Revelation was not John's to KEEP, but John's to SHARE.

    Announced by a Voice

    v. 10 "Heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet.

    It was clearly a VOICE that John heard but it was LIKE a TRUMPET--urgent, clear, strong, awakening, and startling.

    God revealed Himself to Moses, on Mt.Sinai "voice of a trumpet exceeding loud." (Exodus 19:16) The Temple opened its doors in the morning at the sound of the trumpet. The Year of Jubilee came with the sound of the trumpet. Lev. 25:9,10 The Silence of the Age will be broken by the sound of a trumpet.

    I Thessalonians 4:16--The trumpet shall sound and the dead shall be raised.

    The Scenes of the Vision (1:12-20)

    The First Scene: SEVEN CANDLESTICKS

    v. 12 "I saw seven golden candlesticks". v. 20 "And the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches."

    The lamp stands - "Candlesticks"

    John 8:12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
    Matthew 5:14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.

    The candlesticks give light, illumination, and revelation which guide us, warn us and make us aware. The Truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ is a light!

    Matthew 4:16-- The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up.
    Luke 1:79-- To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.
    John 11:9-- Jesus answered, Are there not twelve hours in the day? If any man walk in the day, he stumbleth not, because he seeth the light of this world.
    2 Corinthians 4:6-- For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

    "Golden"

    GREAT COST. The candlesticks were composed of the costliest metal.

    GREAT BEAUTY. The tabernacle use filled with the use of gold. Gold is expressive of Godliness.

    Psalm 96:9-- O worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness: fear before him, all the earth.

    "Seven"

    There was a candlestick with seven lamps in the tabernacle.

    Exodus 25:37-- And thou shalt make the seven lamps thereof: and they shall light the lamps thereof, that they may give light over against it.

    Seven is the number of completeness. (Lev. 4:6; Psalm 119:164; Prov. 24:16; Daniel 3:19; Luke 17:4) These seven candlesticks represent the WHOLE Church Age.

    The Second Scene: SON OF MAN

    CHRIST as The Great High Priest - Priest.

    Hebrews 7:26; 8:1; v. 13 "In the midst"

    CHRIST as The True Prophet - Prophet

    Acts 7:32; Rev. 1:14 "His head and hair white like wool, as white as snow:and His eyes were as a flame of fire…" "His voice as the sound of many waters."

    CHRIST as The Only Potentate - King - Lord

    I Timothy 6:15; Revelation 19:16; Rev. 1:15 "His feet like unto fine brass". This represents Majesty and Judgment. John 5:22. Rev. 1:16 "And out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword." John 12:47-48

    The THIRD Scene: SEVEN STARS

    The Seven Stars are The Lord's Ministers

    v. 16 "And He had in His right hand seven stars." v. 20 "The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand,…are the angels of the seven churches."

    God has His ministers in His hand. He holds, controls, owns and will reward them

    THE WITNESS: HOW did John Hear and See

    <p>"In the Spirit" Ezekiel 37:1 (valley dry bones);  Re 1:10 (in the spirit on the Lord's day); Re 4:2 (And immediately I was in the spirit); Re 17:3 (carried me away in the spirit);

    Re 21:10 (he carried me away in the spirit )

    Received in the Spirit and to be understood only by the Spirit

    1 Corinthians 2:14 — But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

    This does not mean the book of Revelation cannot be understood, but that in order to fully understand it we must be in that same condition of communion with the Spirit of God as John.

    8 times in Revelation: Re 13:9 If any man have an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith ....
    Isaiah 50:4-- The Lord GOD hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary: he wakeneth morning by morning, he wakeneth mine ear to hear as the learned.

    WHAT did John Hear and See (Revelation 1:9-20)

    1. His Voice

    It was clearly a VOICE that John heard but it was LIKE a TRUMPET--urgent, clear, strong, awakening, and startling.

    God revealed Himself to Moses, on Mt.Sinai "voice of a trumpet exceeding loud." (Exodus 19:16) The Temple opened its doors in the morning at the sound of the trumpet. The Year of Jubilee came with the sound of the trumpet. Lev. 25:9,10 The Silence of the Age will be broken by the sound of a trumpet.

    I Thessalonians 4:16--The trumpet shall sound and the dead shall be raised.

    2. His Age

    3. His Vocation

    His place is found in the midst of his church (PROPHET, PRIEST, KING)

    <img src="/img/lampstand.png" style= { {float:"right", margin:"15px"}}/>

    The candlesticks give light, illumination, and revelation which guide us, warn us and make us aware. The Truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ is a light! (Zechariah 4:2-6; Numbers 8:1-4)

    John 8:12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. Matthew 5:14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.

    Matthew 4:16-- The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up. Luke 1:79-- To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace. John 11:9-- Jesus answered, Are there not twelve hours in the day? If any man walk in the day, he stumbleth not, because he seeth the light of this world. 2 Corinthians 4:6-- For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

    "Golden" GREAT COST. The candlesticks were composed of the costliest metal.

    GREAT BEAUTY. The tabernacle use filled with the use of gold. Gold is expressive of Godliness.

    Psalm 96:9-- O worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness: fear before him, all the earth.

    7 Churches = Entire Church Age. Completeness

    God has His ministers in His hand. He holds, controls, owns and will reward them

    4. His Divinity - the Christ

    5. His Clothing

    FULLY CLOTHED

    Clothing Signified Status

    6. His Appearance

    Section 1

    Introduction to the Seven Letters to the Churches

    Addressed To the Ministers

    Revelation 2:1--Unto the angel of the church…

    Angel means messenger, Rev. 22:8-9

    Revelation 22:8--And I John saw these things, and heard them. And when I had heard and seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which shewed me these things. 9 Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God.

    It is A Revelation of Ministerial Responsibility

    To hear from God, Eze. 3:17

    To receive from God, Gal. 1:11-12

    To speak for God, Isa. 58:1

    To answer to God, II Cor. 5:10

    It Is A Revelation of Ministerial Distinction

    They are a part of the Church, I Cor. 12:28

    I Cor. 12:28--And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.

    Yet a separate part of the Church, Phil. 2:25,29; I Thess. 5:12,13

    Philippians 2:25,29--Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants. 29 Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in reputation: [dear; more honorable] I Thessalonians 5:12-13-- And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; 13 And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves.

    It Is A Revelation of Ministerial Protection

    Revelation 2:1--…He that holdeth the seven stars…

    Keeps for Himself, John 10:27-28

    John 10:27-28-- My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: 28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.

    Keeps from the Enemy, II Tim. 4:16-18

    2 Timothy 4:16-18--At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge. 17 Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. 18 And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

    It Is A Revelation of Ministerial Authority

    Revelation 2:1--…In His right hand…

    The place of authority, Luke 22:69

    It is delegated authority, Luke 9:1

    They are His representatives, II Cor. 5:20

    Directed To The Churches

    Revelation 2:1--…Who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks…

    Seven is the number of completeness

    To the whole Church

    To the whole Age

    Seven Gentile churches

    No letter for the church at Jerusalem

    He will have a Gentile bride

    Seven churches Paul wrote to

    Romans, Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, Thessalonians

    Personal letters to Timothy, Titus and Philemon

    Believe to have written Hebrews to the people

    Seven letters John wrote to the Seven Churches

    Ephesus,Smyrna, Pergamos, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, Laodicea

    He wrote the Gospel of John, the three Epistles and Revelation, Not addressed to the churches as such

    Seven distinct parts in each letter

    An address -- "Unto the church in…"

    A citation -- "These things saith He…"

    A statement of knowledge -- "I Know thy works"

    A description of moral status -- "Thou art…"

    A personal application to the individual -- "he that hath an ear…"

    A command -- "Remember", "Repent" etc.

    A promise -- "To him that overcometh will I…"

    Out of the seven, Christ finds fault with five

    One of these He finds nothing to commend (Laodicea)

    Two alone pass inspection (Pergamos and Philadelphia)

    Pergamos--thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith. Philadelphia--hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name. Yet they are in contact with elements which He condemns

    OVERVIEW OF THE SEVEN CHURCHES
    Church Time Commendation Condemnation Counsel Challenge
    Ephesus Apostolic Faithful in service; Hated deeds of Nicolaitanes Left First LoveRepent Eat of the Tree of Life
    Smyrna Persecution Faithful in persecution; poor, but rich. NoneFear not; be faithful Not hurt of the second death
    Pergamos Imperial Favor Did not deny the faith inspite of satan Doctrine of Nicolaitanes, BalaamRepent Eat hidden mannah, white stone, new name
    Thyatira Papacy Good works, charity, service, faith, patience Wicked Woman JezebelHold fast till I come Power over nations; Morning Star
    Sardis Reformation Faithful few are worthy Dead works; not perfectBe watchful; hold fast; repent White raiment; Confessed before Father
    Philadelphia Present Day Kept His Word; Did not deny His name NoneHold fast which thou hast Pillar in the Temple; New name
    Laodicea Present Day None Lukewarm; blind, nakedBuy of me gold, raiment, eyesalve Sit with Christ on His throne
    Section 1

    Letter to Ephesus

    The First Letter: Ephesus

    Messenger - "Paul"

    The Messenger to this Church age is believed to be the Apostle Paul. He was the messenger to the first age of the Gentile era. Galatians 2:6-9; Romans 11:13; Galatians 1:12-19; Galatians 2:2; II Corinthians 12:12

    He was the pastor of the church in Ephesus for about 2 years. Acts 19:10. Paul founded the church at Ephesus about the middle of the first century.About 53 A.D.

    The Ephesus Age really began at Pentecost. At the beginning of the church age

    City - "Ephesus"

    One of the three greatest cities of Asia A very rich city - It was known as a free city; Government — Roman; Language - Greek

    The name "Ephesus" means relaxed; drifting; Today Ephesus is in utter ruin. Ephesus is a witness to those who leave their first love.

    Commendation - vs. 2-3

    For their works

    Their labor

    Their patience

    Separation from evil

    Discernment of falsehood

    Complaint - vs. 4-5

    Remember

    Repent

    Return

    Remove or Else

    "I will come unto thee quickly and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.

    Commendation - v. 6

    This is "Sandwich Psychology."

    "The deeds of the Nicolaitans"

    "Nikao" to conquer

    "Laos" the people, the Laity (Organization)

    Counsel - v. 7

    He that hath an ear let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; to him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.
    Section 1

    Letter to Smyrna

    The Second Letter: Smyrna

    Messenger - "Iraneaus"

    Unto the angel of the church in Smyrna

    The Messenger the Smyrna church age is believed to be Iraneaus. He was a disciple of Polycarp. He was strongly against any form of human organization. He had much manifestation of the Holy Ghost

    The Word was taught with the original precepts. The Gifts of the Spirit manifested in his churches. The Saints spoke in tongues, prophesied, healed the sick, and raised the dead.

    City - "Smyrna"

    Smyrna was a commercial center and was distinguished for its schools of rhetoric, philosophy, medicine, sciences, and fine buildings

    Many Jews lived in Smyrna and bitterly opposed Christianity. The meaning of the name "Smyrna" Myrrh-Bitter. Myrrh was used in embalming the dead.

    It was a poor church in the midst of poverty - vs. 9,10

    The Age lasted 170 to 312 AD

    Commendation vs. 9

    Their works - tribulation - poverty

    They were rich spiritually "But thou art rich"

    No complaint against this church

    The key to this age was tribulation. You have to suffer to reign

    "Ten days" - "Ten years" v. 10

    Under Diocletian cruelest of all emperors 302-312

    Caution v.10

    Fear not"Fear none of these things"

    Be faithful"Be thou faithful"

    You will be tried

    Promise

    A gift "I will give"

    A crown of life

    Not hurt of the second death v. 11

    Counsel vs. 11

    Listen to the Spirit

    Be an overcomer

    Section 1

    Letter to Pergamos

    The Third Letter: Pergamos

    Messenger - "Martin of Tours"

    Martin of Tours (France). "Unto the angel of the Church"

    His conversion took place after helping a poor beggar, took his own coat and cut it in two with his sword, wrapped the man in it and went his way. That night the Lord appeared unto him, in a vision, wrapped in the half of Martin's garment. He spoke to him, "Martin, though he is only a common soldier, has clothed Me with his garment." From that time on he sought to serve the Lord. His life was a series of miracles.After leaving the army, he became a leader in the church, he became very militant against idolatry. Challenged the pagans as Elijah did the False Prophets. He offered to be tied to a tree on its underside so that when it was cut down it would crush him unless God intervened. They tied him to a tree that was growing on the side of a hill, assured that the natural pull of gravity would fall and crush him. Just as the tree began to fall, God swung it around uphill and crushed several of the heathens as they were fleeing. Raised a man to life that had been hung for his faith.

    Martin wanted to see the emperor—he was refused audience. Martin laid at the gate and prayed. The iron gate opened and he heard a voice bidding him to rise. The ruler would not turn his head to speak to him. Martin prayed. Suddenly a fire came spontaneously from the seat of the throne and the emperor vacated speedily.

    They came to kill him.He stood erect and bared his throat to the sword. As they leaped forward, the power of God hurled them back across the room. So overcome with fear, they begged forgiveness.

    City - "Pergamos"

    The name "Pergamos" expresses the idea of a tower. Pergamos was the most illustrious city in Asia. It was also a city of great sin. They worshipped an idol in a form of a living serpent, housed and fed in the temple.

    v. 13 "Even where Satan's seat is" How did it become the seat of Satan? Babylon fell - to the Medes and Persians. The priest, A Halus - fled the city and went to Pergamos and started over.

    The Age lasted 312 - 606 A.D.

    Commendation - vs. 13

    Their labor

    Their stand under oppression

    Not a thing of location, but of character. I know thy works and where thou dwellest,…Even where Satan's seat is:

    Did not deny His Name

    And thou holdest fast my name.

    Did not deny the faith

    And hast not denied my faith

    Was not affected by Martyrdom

    Antipas was my faithful martyr Who was slain among you

    Complaint - vs. 14,15

    "But I have a few things against thee"

    Doctrine of Balaam -

    Who taught Balac to cast a stumbling block before the children of Israel. [Numbers 25:1-9]
    To eat things sacrificed unto idols
    And to commit fornication

    Doctrine of the Nicolaitanes -

    They were deeds in the Ephesus age - now a doctrine

    Caution - vs. 16

    v. 16 "Repent or else"
    "I will come unto thee quickly."
    "And will fight against them" etc.

    Counsel - vs. 17

    "He that hath an ear"
    "To him that overcometh"
    "Will I give to eat of the Hidden Manna"

    Manna kept in the Ark - In the Most Holy Place - Beyond the veil. It was angel food. It kept them well - none were sick

    "The Hidden Manna" The Truth and Secrets of God. I Corinthians 2:9-10; Ephesians 1:18

    "And will give him a white stone"
    "And in the stone a new name written"

    Two things: Victor's stone King's name - High Priest King's name God's name

    Section 1

    Letter to Thyatira

    The Fourth Letter: Thyatira

    Revelation 2:18-29

    Messenger

    Believed to be Columba.He was a brilliant, consecrated scholar. Committed to memory most of the Scripture. Called by an audible voice to be a missionary. In one missionary journey, he approached a walled city. The gates were barred. He lifted his voice in prayer. As he prayed, the court magicians harassed him with loud noises. He began to sing a Psalm. The gates opened of their own accord. He preached the Gospel. Many were saved. At another village:The son of a chief became violently sick. Southwest coast of Scotland he founded a Bible school.

    City - "Thyatira"

    Historically: The city of Thyatira was the least noteworthy of all the Seven Churches.

    It was well off financially.

    The name Thyatira means "Dominating Female"

    "Feminine Oppression" Ecclesiastes 7:25-28

    A woman was not meant to have an iron-like disposition, nor wear that which pertains to a man, or cut her hair. Deuteronomy 22:5I Corinthians 11:4-7, 13-16

    The Jezebel spirit was dominating in this church, taking authority and perverting the truth. The Roman church, which is represented by this spirit of Jezebel, was as heathen and wicked as Athalia, who tried to destroy all the seed royal. This Age lasted the longest of all - about 900 years. From 606 AD - 1520 AD

    Commendation

    v. 19 "I know thy works"

    "Eido" suggests fullness of knowledge

    Two aspects of truth presented here:

    Love - service

    "And charity and service"

    Faith - patience

    "And faith and patience"

    In the Church of Ephesus, their doctrine was right, but lacked love. Here, they had love but lacked doctrine.

    "And works"

    The last to be more than the first. Their last works…better than their first

    There was growth.

    Complaint v. 20

    "Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee."

    Wicked Seducers - Called Jezebel

    Allowed to teach

    Allowed to seduce - His "servants"

    "To commit fornication"

    "To eat things sacrificed to idols"

    Caution - vv. 21-23

    A demand to repent - v. 21

    A warning of judgment - vv. 22,23

    Counsel -- vv. 24-29

    "Hold fast to what you have" - v. 25

    He will give more - v. 26

    Listen to the Spirit - v. 29

    Covenant To the Overcomer- vv. 26-28

    Power over the Nations

    Rule with a Rod of Iron

    Give him the Morning Star

    Section 1

    Letter to Sardis

    The Fifth Letter: Sardis

    Revelation 3:1-6

    Messenger - "Martin Luther"

    "Unto the angel of the church in Sardis"

    Martin Luther was a brilliant scholar of gentle disposition. He had been studying to be a lawyer when the death of a friend caused him to become serious concerning the spiritual condition of his own life. He soon entered the Augustinian convent at Erfurt in 1505 where he studied philosophy and also the Word of God

    Luther lived a life of severe penance but all his self affliction was in vain.

    I tormented myself to death to make peace with God, but I was in darkness and found it not. --Martin Luther

    Martin Luther became a priest. On a visit to Rome he saw the futility of the Church's works.

    The Word of God struck his heart. "The Just Shall Live By Faith" Mixing the Word of God with faith, Martin Luther was Born-again into the Family of God

    Luther fought against anti-scriptural teaching. When Leo X became Pope, and John Tetzel came to sell indulgences for sin, Luther first preached against it in his pulpit and then wrote his famous 95 thesis. On October 31, 1517 he nailed his 95 thesis to the door of the Wittenberg Cathedral. He preached emphatically the Doctrine of Justification By Faith

    Luther translated the N.T. and gave it to the people in their own language. Aided by Hebrew scholars, he translated the O.T.

    It was recorded in Sauer's History Vol. 3, p. 406 that Luther was:

    a prophet, evangelist, speaker in tongues, interpreter, in one person endowed with all nine gifts of the Spirit.

    City - "Sardis"

    Sardis was the capital of ancient Lydia. At one time, it was very important commercially. Sardis was destroyed by an earthquake in AD 17, but it was rebuilt. It was one of the great cities of western Asia Minor until the later Byzantine period. It fell out of importance as newer networks of roads and commerce bypassed the city. Today it is a heap of ruins and largely uninhabited.

    "Sardis" means The Escaped One. The age lasted from 1520 to 1750. The Sardis Church Age is called the Age of Reformation.

    Complaint - v. 1

    Works

    Profession

    Form

    Caution - vv. 2,3

    The Need

    The need for vigilance, prayer,change,study,endurance,repentance

    A Warning of Judgment

    Commendation

    Garments not defiled

    Some walking in righteousness

    Blood sacrifice - Divine Nature - Heavenly Character

    Some found worthy

    Counsel

    To Overcome - vv. 5,6

    Clothed in white raiment

    Name not blotted out

    Name confessed in Heaven

    To Hear - v. 6

    Section 1

    Letter to Philadelphia

    The Sixth Letter: Philadelphia

    Revelation 3:7-13

    Messenger

    "To the angel of the church in Philadelphia"

    John Wesley was born at Epworth, June 17, 1703 and died at the age of 88. He was one of nineteen children born to Samuel and Susanna Wesley. John was a brilliant scholar. He was later born again. He preached with power. The Spirit was so mightily manifested that the people would fall to the ground crying in great distress over their sins. He believed in the power of God. He prayed for the sick with results. John and Charles, his brother, drew up a spiritual guide of works. For this they were called Methodists.

    City - "Philadelphia"

    It was the second largest city in Lydia.It was built upon several hills in a famous wine-growing district.Its duration was the longest of the seven cities. It still exists under a Turkish name - City of God.

    The Age lasted from 1750 to about 1900.Called the Age of Brotherly Love. "Philadelphia" means: love of brethren.

    Commendation

    Revelation 3:8 "I know their works"

    Their works were good

    He knows whether they are good or bad.

    They had an open door

    "I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it."

    The Missionary effort of that age. William Carey affected a missionary program.Out of this came Spurgeon, Parker, McClaren, Edwards, Bunyan, Mueller, Barnes, Bishop

    Also- "I am the door of the sheep" At night they go home and leave the animals, but the shepherd of sheep takes them to the fold and then lays down and becomes the door.

    They had a little strength

    The Word was preached well but they lacked the mighty power of the Holy Ghost Baptism.

    They kept His Word

    "And hast kept my word"

    They did not deny His name

    "And hast not denied my name"

    Complaint

    Revelation 3:9 -- Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I loved thee.

    Hypocrisy "say they are Jews"

    Falsehood "But do lie"

    Commendation v. 10

    Kept the Word

    With patience

    Hebrews 11:17, Abraham was tried, after, he received the promise. Psalm 105:19

    A reward promised

    "I also will keep thee"

    "From the hour of temptation"

    Not in but from - The Bride - Six Age - Enoch "Which shall come upon all the world" "To try them that dwell upon the earth"

    Caution v. 11

    Warning of His coming

    "Behold, I come quickly"

    Warning of retaining what you have

    "Hold that fast which thou hast"

    Warning of loss of (rule) position

    "That no man take thy crown"

    The crown speaks of reward

    Also of Rule or Reign with Christ (Revelation 3:21)

    Counsel

    To overcome

    To hear what the Spirit says

    Section 1

    Letter to Laodicea

    The Seventh Letter: Laodicea

    Messenger

    "Unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans"

    He will be a prophet

    Word oriented

    Prophecy will come to pass

    Isaiah 28:9; Amos 3:6-7

    There will be false prophets

    Matthew 24:23-26; I Timothy 4:1; II Timothy 4:3,4; II Peter 2:1,2

    A false prophet is outside the Word

    He will be a man of Revelation

    Paul had visions and revelations

    He will be a man led of the Spirit

    Paul was led by the Spirit

    He will be a man of Miracles

    Paul worked miracles

    He will be a man of the Word

    Student of the Word

    Preacher of the Word

    Believer of the Word

    The City "Laodicea"

    Means "People's rights", Rule by the people

    Democratic form of government

    This is the "Church of the Laodiceans"

    It was a rich city

    Age began shortly after the turn of the 20th century

    This is the last Church Age

    Complaint - 3:15-19

    Lukewarm - v. 16

    Formal not Spiritual - Galatians 6:3 ; II Tim. 3:5

    Proud - v. 17

    "Thou sayest" Self-righteous

    Materially - Rich - Increased with goods

    Complacent

    "Have need of nothing"

    Ignorant

    "And knowest not" - Deceived - Proverbs 12:15

    "Wretched"

    "Distressed" - "Shabby" Romans 7:24

    "Miserable"

    "Pitiable"

    "Poor"

    "A beggar as cringing" - "to crouch"

    "Causing to fall"

    Spiritually - this generation

    "Blind"

    "Opaque" (as if smoky) "Tuphlos"

    "Naked" - The carnal condition of the Church

    Counsel , vv. 18-22

    To Buy

    The Source of purchase - "Me"

    Gold - The Nature of God
    White Raiment - The Righteousness of God
    Eye-salve - The Anointing of God

    The purchasing factor - Faith

    To Repent v. 19

    To Hear His Voice v. 20

    To Overcome

    The Promise to the Overcomer -- "The Throne"

    To Hear The Spirit v. 22

    Section 2

    Section 2

    The Rapture of the Church

    The Rapture of The Church

    "Things which must be hereafter"

    This chapter begins a new vision, which constitutes the second section of the Revelation. It is related not to things on the earth, but to things in heaven, and to things following the period covered by the seven churches.

    The Translation of the Bride has already taken place.

    This section begins with the rapture.

    He saw a door opened - v. 1 "A door opened in heaven"

    He heard a voice -

    "Voice which I heard as it were of a trumpet." (I Thessalonians 4:16-18)

    Come up hither
    I will shew thee things
    Which must be hereafter

    After the Rapture of the Church.

    He was caught up -

    v. 2 "I was in the Spirit" Caught up in the Spirit.

    "A throne was set in heaven" set/Keimai- to be out stretched.

    Section 2

    The Throne of Majesty

    The Throne is in heaven -

    v. 2 A throne was set in heaven
    Psalm 103:19—The LORD hath prepared His Throne in the heavens;and His kingdom ruleth over all.

    The Throne is Occupied -

    v. 2 "One sat on the throne"

    No name mentioned and No figure described. Only His appearance stated.Not in shape - but in color and flashing brilliancy.

    v. 3 "Jasper and a sardine stone"

    Crystalline and purple in hue. Royal.cBeautifully bright, red, carnation color.Flashing light or Flames like fire.

    I John 1:5 -- God is light…
    Hebrews 12:29 -- God is a consuming fire.

    The Throne is Encircled -

    By a rainbow -

    v. 3 "There was a rainbow round about the throne"

    Token of God's covenant. Genesis 9:11,17

    An Emerald Rainbow

    "Insight like unto an emerald."

    "Emerald" - "light green"

    The throne is a throne of judgment but not of destruction.

    Judgment mingled with grace and mercy.

    Life - Promise - Hope - "Emerald"

    Over-spanning the appearance of consuming fire.

    By other thrones - v. 4

    "Seats" same word as thrones.

    By Elders -

    "Four and twenty elders sitting"

    On the thrones - "round about the throne"

    By Living Creatures - vv. 6-9

    The Throne is of Judgment

    v. 5 And out of the throne proceeded

    "Lightnings"

    Exodus9:23,28 Exodus19:16

    "Thunderings"

    I Samuel 7:10

    "Voices"

    I Samuel 12:17,18

    "Lamps of Fire"

    It is a flaming indignation.

    Isaiah 4:4 Malachi 4:1 I Thessalonians 1:7,8

    Lamps of Fire - "Light"

    Not of revealing truth,But revealing judgment.

    Seven - Completeness - Tribulation"Seven Spirits" - The fullness of the Spirit of God.

    The Throne Has A Pavement - v. 6

    Exodus 24:10 Revelation21:21

    Section 2

    The Four Living Creatures

    The Four Living Creatures vv. 6-8

    Who They Are Not

    They are not angels. (5:8-10; 7:11; Hebrews 2:5)

    They are not Israel. Israel in History - Revelation 4:1. Also these are from all nations. Revelation 5:9

    They are not the Apostles, but tribes and people of all the earth.

    They are not disembodied spirits, but are glorified subjects of grace.

    vv. 8,9 Enthroned - Crowned - Robed

    Who They Are

    Look at their characteristics revealed in the Scriptures

    The first creature was like a lion v. 7

    The second creature was like a calf

    The third creature had a face as a man

    The fourth creature was like a flying eagle

    Four is representative of a larger number.

    The Jewish writers tell us that the standard of each tribe of Israel took the color of the stone which represented it in the high priest's breastplate, and that there was wrought upon each a particular figure.

  • A Lion for Judah
  • A young ox for Ephraim
  • A Man for Reuben
  • An Eagle for Dan

    • In the Four Gospels we have Christ portrayed in this same manner"

  • In Matthew the Lion - The King of Israel
  • In Mark the Ox - The Servant and Sacrifice
  • In Luke the Man - The Son of Man
  • In John the Eagle - The Son of God

    • This is not Christ, but someone like Him - Who do you find in Scripture like Christ?

    Christ is the head of the Church. This is His Body. This is His Church

    Lion nature - Ox nature - Man's nature - Eagle's nature

    This is the Church after it has been perfected in the first 3 -1/2 years of the tribulation.

    They have eyes -

    v. 6 "Before and behind"
    v. 8 "Full of eyes within"

    The symbol of intense intelligence

    Looking backward into the past.

    Forward into the future.

    Inward into the present.

    Nothing hid - secrets known.

    Also symbol of unceasing activity.

    A symbol of continued vigilance.

    They have wings -v. 8

    Isaiah 6: with twain covered his face

    with twain covered his feet

    with twain they did fly

    Humility -

    Redemption - uncovered feet cannot Redeem

    Freedom -

    Six is the number of man.

    Revelation 13:18

    Six is 4 -man's worldplus 2 -division or difference, and generally enmity.

    Genesis 1:1 - Genesis 1:2

    First - Perfection

    Second - Ruin and desolation

    Six is 5 - grace of God

    plus 1 - made of none effect by man's addition to it.

    Six is 7 - Completeness

    minus 1 - man's coming short of perfection.

    These are men redeemed - God's perfection.

    Man was created on the sixth day. Man has six days to labor. When twelve (the number of governmental perfection) is divided, it indicates imperfection in rule and administration.

    I Kings 10:19 Solomon's throne had six steps, and his kingdom was divided.

    The twelve loaves were divided into sixes -

    Also on the Breastplate of the High Priest -Twelve Tribes were divided tribes.

    Section 2

    24 Elders

    The Four And Twenty Elders - vv. 4,10,11

    Who They Are Not -

    They are not the Patriarchs

    Revelation 5:9 From every tribe, tongue, people and nation.

    They are not the Apostles. The Apostles were all Jews. They have their part in the foundation. Revelation 21:12-14

    They are not disembodies spirits. The dead praise not God.

    These are praising God. vv. 10,11

    Who They Are -

    Notice - Where they are located and what they are doing.

    They are located in the throne and sitting on thrones.

    Revelation 4:2,4 Now turn to the 3rd chapter and vv. 20,21

    They are Overcomers

    Sitting on thrones Ch. 3:21; 4:4

    They have crowns - v. 10 Crowns promised -

    Incorruptible crown - I Corinthians 9:25

    Crown of Rejoicing - I Thessalonians 2:19

    Crown of Righteousness - II Timothy 4:8

    Crown of Life - James 1:12; Rev. 2:10

    Crown of Glory - I Peter 5:4

    Five in number - Grace and Faith

    So then this is a company of people that have heard His voice in the church and have overcome "as He overcame" and He has given them the right to sit with Him in His throne.

    They occupy the closest position to Christ.

    Chpt. 5:6 Reverse the order —

    They are Twenty-Four in number

    These were the representatives of many others.

    The priests and Levites "were set to forward the work of the house of the Lord, was twenty and four thousand." I Chronicles 23:3,4

    But they were all arranged in courses of twenty-four.I Chronicles 24:3-5

    I Chronicles 25:8-31 There were not more than twenty-four on duty at a time.

    They are Elders -

    The expression is that of time - "Elders". The "Elder" was the ruling man in the original order. They are "Elders" because of their official place.

    "Sitting on thrones." They are the first glorified of all the redeemed - the seniors of that celestial city.

    Section 2

    The Sealed Book

    The Sealed Book, vs. 1-4

    This chapter continues the description of the vision in chapter four. The scene is still the throne, the Elders, the Living creatures.

    This prophecy is in connection with the Church, but not of the Church. Also, this prophecy has its description given in Heaven, but its fulfillment on the earth.

    The Position of the Book

    v. 1 "In the right hand"

    The place of power.

    v. 1 "Of Him that sat on the throne."

    The place of rule of authority.

    The Characteristics of the Book

    v. 1 "A book written within"

    A scroll - about judgment

    The book contained a revelation and demonstration of things to come at the consummation of this present age after the Rapture of the Church.

    v. 1 "On the backside, sealed with seven seals"

    Reserved judgment. This is not a familiar judgment seen. This is an exceptional administration of justice never before witnessed.

    Reserved unto the Day of Judgment

    The Dignity of the Book

    The question by the angel

    v. 2 "Who is worthy to open the book"

    The answer to the question

    v. 3 "No man in heaven, or in earth, neither under the earth,was able to open the book, neither to look therein."

    Notice also that this "strong" angel is not able to open the book either. (powerful, forceful, boisterious, mighty)

    John's reaction to this fact

    v. 4 "And I wept much"

    Because of three things -

    None found "worthy" to "open the book"

    None found worthy to "read the book"

    None found worthy to "look thereon"

    The Time of the Opening of the Book

    After the Rapture, 4:1

    The Purpose of the Opening of the Book

    To release the judgments of God on the earth

    Section 2

    The Victor

    The Nature of the Victor, vs. 5-7

    The Book's Opener is presented as a Victor!

    Revelaton 5:5 - And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.

    A lion

    v. 5 "Lion of the tribe of Judah"
    "The Root of David"

    Being of the Root of David, his prowess is of no coincidence. It is by PROMISE and therefore Divine appointment.

    Revelation 22:16 - I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.

    He is both ROOT and OFFSPRING of David! By nature, Jesus is the ROOT of David and by divine incarnation he is the offspring of David. David, the greatly revered and legendary king of Israel, received his authority from this same Jesus!

    A lamb

    v. 6 "Stood a lamb"

    A lion in power, but a lamb in nature. Notice:

    He is standing

    Because He is not dead, but alive.

    Because He is accepted.

    Because of us, on our behalf.

    He is a sacrificial lamb

    v. 6 "A lamb as it had been slain"

    His has perfect power and strength

    v. 6 "Having seven horns"

    He has perfect and universal intelligence

    "And seven eyes"
    "Which are the seven spirits of God"

    He has unlimited rights v. 7

    Section 2

    The Response to The Victor's Worthiness

    The Response to The Victor's Worthiness, vs. 8-14

    Of the Four Beasts and of the Twenty-four Elders v. 8

    Fell down before the Lamb

    Having every one of them harps

    And golden vials - stored up prayers

    Sing a new song

    What Their Song Is About

    Worthy by right of being

    He is Lord - Jehovah God

    Worthy by right of character

    I Peter 1:19 A lamb without spot or blemish

    Worthy by right of obedience

    He earned the right

    "For thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred" etc.
    Luke 23:41 - And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss.

    Of the Angels vv. 11,12

    Of All Creation v. 13

    Section 3: Seven Seals

    Section 3: Seven Seals

    Introduction to the Seven Seals

    Introduction to the Seven Seals

    This scene of the breaking of the Seven Seals follows after the translation of the Bride, for the elders already have their crowns, (Rev. 4:10). Also this scene comes after the Rapture of the Church. We read of the rapture in type in Rev. 4:1. The Four Beasts or Four Living Creatures which represent "the Body of Christ" or the Church are at the Throne, also.

    The Similarities of the First Four Seals

    The Opener of the Seals. "The Lamb" vs. 1

    In Chapter 5, it was dramatically shown that only the Lamb had the power to take the Book and the power and authority to open the book.

    The Seals Opened

    John saw something vs. 1.

    John saw something before the thunder. Like a flash of lightening before the storm.

    He heard something.

    He heard - "As it were the noise of thunder".

    The Command Given. "Come"

    The Command is Not to John. He is there in the Throne.

    The Command is A call into Action. A release of Judgment.

    The Command is Repeated. In regard to the first four seals.

    The Source of the Command.

    "One of the Four Beasts". The Elders are involved with things concerning heavenly subjects (ch. 5 & 7) and The living Creatures are directly involved with things that are Earthly.

    1 Corinthians 6:2 -- Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters? 3 Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life?

    The Particulars of the Seven Seals

    The Number Seven

    There are Seven Seals in Number. This is indicative of the COMPLETENESS of this administration.

    The Seals are arranged in two distinct groups - first there are four and then there are three. A Worldly number that is followed by the heavenly number. These Seven Seals are a Divine judgment on a wicked world

    The First Four Seals are Distinguished by Horses and Horsemen.

    Horses are symbolic pictures of the Power of the Almighty.

    2 Kings 6:17 -- And Elisha prayed, and said, LORD, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha. [Job 39:19-25; Zech. 1:8-10; Zech. 6:2-5]

    Four Spirits of the heavens from Zechariah 6:

    Zechariach 6:1-8 -- And I turned, and lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and, behold, there came four chariots out from between two mountains; and the mountains were mountains of brass. 2 In the first chariot were red horses; and in the second chariot black horses; 3 And in the third chariot white horses; and in the fourth chariot grisled and bay horses. 4 Then I answered and said unto the angel that talked with me, What are these, my lord? 5 And the angel answered and said unto me, These are the four spirits of the heavens, which go forth from standing before the Lord of all the earth. 6 The black horses which are therein go forth into the north country; and the white go forth after them; and the grisled go forth toward the south country. 7 And the bay went forth, and sought to go that they might walk to and fro through the earth: and he said, Get you hence, walk to and fro through the earth. So they walked to and fro through the earth. 8 Then cried he upon me, and spake unto me, saying, Behold, these that go toward the north country have quieted my spirit in the north country.
    Section 3: Seven Seals

    Opening of Seals 1, 2, 3, & 4

    Opening of Seals 1, 2, 3, & 4

    The Opening of the First Seal 6:1-2

    The Releasing of Divine Judgment "A white horse"

    "White" Righteousness

    "Horse" Divine Power.A righteous judgment of God on the Earth.

    The Commission of The Rider

    "He that sat on him had a bow. "The "bow" is an instrument of war.Not of a destructive war-but of a moral war.Psa. 64:7-9; Hab. 3:8-9; Isa. 26:9.

    " And a crown was given un to him" "And he went forth conquering, and to conquer. "Psa. 110:3; Isa. 26:9; Dan 12:8-10; Joe12:28-32.

    The Opening of The Second Seal 6:3-4

    The Releasing of Divine Vengeance "A Red Horse"

    "Red" the color of blood.Wars and Blood shed.

    "Horse" Divine Power.The wrath of God on the Earth.

    The Commission to the Rider.

    "Power was given to him.. .to take peace from the earth" II Chron. 15: 3,5 A type."They shall kill one another"

    "There was given unto him a great sword." "Rhomphaia " "Megas" -Sword —Large

    The Opening of The Third Seal. 6:5-6

    The Commission of The Third Rider. vs. 5-6

    A Black Horse -

    Black is the symbolic color of dearth and famine. Jer. 14:1-2; Lam.4:8-10 5:10. Notice verse nine — Famines are the scenes of violence and tragedy. II Kings 6:25-29; Luke 21:23; Matt. 24:19.

    "A Pair of Balances in His Hand."

    Balances are used for exact weighing Indicating that there is a scarcity of food. vs.6Bread by weight always implies scarcity. Lev.26:26; Eze.4:16.When corn is in abundances; it is sold by gross measures and no attention is paid to a few hundred grains.

    The Settling of Prices. vs. 6

    This also adds to the fact of scarcity of food. "A Measure of Wheat."The word, measure, used here is the Greek word, choenix (which would be about a quart). Davis Dictionary of the Bible. A measure or quart of wheat would be the ordinary allowance of wheat to a man for one day's scanty subsistence.

    The Usual Price.The usual price of a "choenix" of wheat was one-eighth of a "penny" , or denarius. The price named in the text, being eight times this, indicating further the greatness of the famine.

    The Value of the Penny.In the A.S.R.V. the word "penny" is translated "shilling." A shillingin the Greek denotes a coin worth about eight pence, or nearly seventeen cents. Probably the Roman Denarias a coin worth about 17 cents. This was the amount a soldier received for a days pay. Also in Matt. 20:###The ordinary wage for a full days labor, would be (17 cents) a penny. All that a man can do is earn the bread that he will use himself. What if he has a family?

    The Barley By Price. Food of horses and cattle - And also the days subsistence of a slave."Hurt not the oil and the wine" A matter of grace. In judgment God remembers mercy.

    The Opening of The Fourth Seal 6:7-8

    The Commission of The Fourth Rider vs. 8

    "A Pale Horse" "Chloros"

    It is translated "Green" Rev. 8:7,9:4; Mark 6:39.

    Its Rider -"Death" Personified

    Death, and Hell followed him.

    Its Power -

    Power over a fourth part of the earth . Of the total population of the earth one forth will die.

    Its Manner of Death.

    Kill with sword

    With hunger

    With Death (Pestilence) Jer. 38:2; Eze.6:11; Matt. 24:7; Luke 21:10-11

    With Beasts Ezek. 14:21

    Section 3: Seven Seals

    Opening of Seals 5 and 6

    Opening of Seals 5 and 6

    The Opening of The Fifth Seal 6:9-11

    The manifestations under the breaking of this seal differ, in some respects, from the four preceding. There is no expression from the Living ones. There are no 'horsemen or horses. And the burden of the description is exhibited in the results rather than in the processes. Yet, everything belongs to the same general category of trial and suffering. Under this fifth seal, we have added, bloody persecution of those who hold and testify to the truth. The good as well as the bad suffer the hour of trial. Hence, this fifth seal is the picture of Persecution and Martyrdom.

    There are no voices of command from Heaven under this seal, and no messengers despatched from the throne; the reason, bloody persecutions of God's servants come from beneath -not from above. It is the devil who is the murderer. It is Dragon that makes war with the saints. These are martyrs of this particular period of time. Martyrs of the Judgment.

    The Cause of Their Martyrdom. vs. 9

    It is not death, but the cause of death, which constitutes a martyr. Millions upon millions perish under the preceding seals, but they are not called marytrs. The cause for which these were slain makes them martyrs.

    "Slain for the Word of God"

    What they may have rejected in the past, now hold to be the very Word of God .

    "And for the testimony which they held. "

    (Steadfast adherence to the faith) Probably the testimony of all that was happening. Plagues, disorders, and horrors around them. It will be more than the hardened hearts of scorning unbelievers can bear.

    Their Estate at That Time vs.9

    They are "Soul s" Their slaying is not the end.

    They can be seen. "Saw" Invisible to men in the flesh, seen in the spirit.

    They can speak. vs. 10 "They cried with a loud voice."

    It is wrong to say the dead is in a state of non-existence, unconsciousness, or oblivion. Matt. 10:28; kill body - not soul Luke 20:38; Not the God of the dead. Luke 16:19-31 Rich man and Lazarus. Luke 23: 43 "To-day" Consider the experiences of dying believers,and their testimonies.

    The Message They Convey. vs. 10 (last part)

    It is a cry addressed to the throne. "0 Lord, holy and true"

    It is a cry for fulfillment. It has started why the delay.

    The Response To Their Message. vs. 11

    They were given White Robes.

    They were approved and precious

    They were to rest awhile

    They were to rest in Him

    The reason for their rest.

    There were others God wanted to make it. "Until their fellow-servants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled. "

    The Opening of The Sixth Seal. 6:12-17

    Fearful Physical Events

    "A great earthquake"

    A great shaking -applied to the shaking of a fig tree- everything will be shaken.

    "Sun became black "

    "As sackcloth of hair"

    "The moon became as blood "

    Joe12:31; Matt 24:29; Mark 13:24-26; Luke 21:25; Acts 2:19-21

    "The Stars Fall "

    The Effect on Earth of These. Starts vs. 14

    The Effects of these Events on Humanity. vs. 15-17

    The General Condition of Society

    Kings -great men -rich men - chief captains etc.

    The Security is Gone.

    "hid themselves"

    They realized the source of these events. vs. 16

    Hide us from the face of Him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb.
    Section 3: Seven Seals

    The Sealing of the 144,000

    The Sealing of the 144,000. 7:1-8

    The judgment has begun, and has progressed through a number of its most important stages, but grace has not entirely departed. The sealing must take place before the judgment can continue. vs. 1-3

    Who The 144,000 Are vs. 4

    "Of all the tribes of the children of Israel. " They are Jews- not the Church. The sealed ones are one company, complete in itself; and the Elders and Living ones are another company complete in themselves. John sees them all at the same time, the one in the presence of the other. 12 thousand from each tribe:

    Judah -confession or praise of God

    Reuben- behold a Son or viewing the Son

    Gad -a company or a troupe

    Asher- blessed or happy

    Naphtali- obtained by wrestling

    Manasseh -making to forget

    Simeon -hearing or obeying

    Levi -adhesion or cleaving to

    Issachar -a reward

    Zebulon- habitation or dwelling

    Joseph -added or addition

    Benjamin- Son of the right hand

    Look at them all together. Confessors or praises of God, looking upon the Son, a company of blessed ones, wrestling or fighting for what is ahead, forgetting these things that are behind, hearing and obeying the word, cleaving unto the reward of a heavenly habitation, an addition to what has already happened, sons of the day of God's hand, or the day of His Power, begotten in the extremity of the age.

    One reason the names of Dan and Ephraim is left out. Dan means a judge. These 144,000 are not judges, and never become judges. Ephraim -double fruitfulness, or increase, or growth by multiplication. These are a fixed number 144,000. These are Israelites, living in the period of the judgment, who confess and look to Christ as their Messiah.

    The Time of Their Sealing

    It takes place on earth.

    After the opening of the Sixth Seal Chpt. 7:1

    Before the opening of the Seventh Seal vs. 3

    The Nature of Their Sealing

    It is a mark Of some sort. The impression or mark of a seal or signet. Conspicuous and observable.

    In the Old Testament the Mark of Circumcision In Egypt the Mark of the Blood Rahab the Mark of the scarlet thread . Anti-christ puts a mark on his followers.

    In their foreheads -vs. 3

    Similar to Eze. 9:4

    It is something Supernatural. vs. 2

    "The seal of the living God" As all believers are sealed by the Lord. Eph. 1:13; Eph. 4:30; II Cor. 1:22

    The Agent of Their Sealing

    By an angel vs. 2

    "I saw another angel"

    Coming from the East -

    The rising of the Sun. "Unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of Righteousness arise."

    The Basis of Their Sealing -

    They are "The Servants of God" vs. 4.

    Section 3: Seven Seals

    The Palm-Bearing Multitude

    The Palm–Bearing Multitude 7:9–17

    It was from heaven that John beheld the shaking and the sealing;. and from the same point of view he sees this company. The question of the Elder is what we want to deal with first. vs. 9 "Who are they? and whence came they?" Some believe they are the early Christians victorious over the sorrows and persecutions. Some believe they are the Christians under Constantine. To decide who they are look at:

    Who They Are Not

    They are not the highest class of the redeemed.

    The Elders "Sit" –these "Stand" vs. 9 "Stood before the Throne". The Elders have Crowns and Thrones – These have neither. The Elders appear in their places – And have received their reward before judgment. These came to the throne after judgment has started. The Elders were "counted worthy to escape all these things" [Luke 21:36]. These were in the Judgment. "Out of the great tribulation. " vs. 14

    They are not the Church

    The Four Living creatures make up the Church. The Rapture of the Church takes place before the Great Tribulation. These are taken out of the Great Tribulation.

    They are not the sealed ones –

    The sealed ones were a definite number. These are uncounted and numberless. vs.9 The sealed ones were of Israel. "These are out of every nation, and kindreds, and people, and tongues."

    Who They Are

    They are redeemed people.

    They were once sinners. They are now saved. Vs. 10 "Salvation to Our God, " " And to the Lamb."

    They are people living on the Earth during the Judgment vs. 14

    "Come out of Great Tribulation. " Some believe because of the number that they are from all ages– Come out of Great Tribulation.

    They are people who were unprepared, and were "left" when the Rapture took place.

    There were ten virgins in Matthew 25. Five were wise and five were foolish. The five foolish were left outside the marriage door.

    Matthew 25:11-13 — Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. 12 But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. 13 Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.

    There are no crowns or thrones, but only palms. They did not hear the gentle voice of the Spirit, and therefore were not rewarded in the same way those that overcame and escaped the great tribulation. But they did learn their lesson through great trial and are given great promises of blessing.

    Isaiah 26:9,10 —…for when thy judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness. 10 Let favour be shewed to the wicked, yet will he not learn righteousness: in the land of uprightness will he deal unjustly, and will not behold the majesty of the LORD.

    Some will learn righteousness, but not all will turn to God even in such terrible judgment.

    Daniel 12:10 —Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand.

    Their Eternal State

    They are in heaven. Lazarus –The Richman

    Where God is etc.

    They are "before" the throne. vs. 9

    They're not in the throne but; They are before it. "Serve in the temple" vs. 15

    They are "clothed in white robes."

    The garments of saints.

    They have "palm branches in their hands" the ancient people –the feast of Tabernacles. Palms are Symbolic of Victory. Also– vs. 10

    They shall hunger no more, vs 16 "neither thirst any more."

    They shall not be burnt "neither…sun… nor… heat" vs. 16

    They shall be Fed. vs. 17

    Section 3: Seven Seals

    Opening of The Seventh Seal

    Opening of The Seventh Seal (8:1)

    Details of the Silence

    The Lamb is "He" Who breaks or opens the seal. In response to the breaking of the seal there is silence. This silence appears to be a "calm before the storm".

    This silence takes place "In Heaven" and lasts for half an hour ("Hemioron" "Hemi": Half plus "Hora": Hour).

    Meaning of the Silence

    This seal and the resulting silence are quite mysterious. We can consider the definitions of the words used, but any other suggestings to their meaning is speculation.

    In Revelation 8:1, "Silence" (siqe) means hush, voluntary stillness or refusal to speak. It is a silence of intense interest and awful expectancy with reference to the results of the breaking of the seventh seal.

    As the following section of Revelation makes several strong allusions to the different parts of temple worship. For example:

    Adam Clarke makes a comparison of this silence and the prayerful silence of the people who waited while the priest went in to burn incense in the holy place.

    Luke 1:10 -- And the whole multitude of the people were praying without at the time of incense.

    Section 4: Angels & Trumpets

    Section 4: Angels & Trumpets

    A Vision of Angels

    A Vision of Angels (8:2-5)

    The Seven Angels, vs. 2

    They "stood before God" and are in harmony with his will and work. They are God's ministers and are in obedient submission to His will. They stand ready to do as He decrees and bear God's authority as His servants.

    They Are of Particular Rank and Distinction.

    They are of a Divine Order of angels. Angelic beings are not of one and the same grade or office.

    The Sons of God, in general, came before Him only at appointed times. Job 1:6;

    Yet, Jesus spake of some angels who "do always behold the face of their Father which is in heaven." Matt. 18:10.

    In Colossians 1:16, Paul lists "dominions, principalities, and powers" as being among the celestial orders.

    Daniel 10:13 speaks of some chief princes.

    1 Thessalonians 4:16 and Jude 9 refer to arch angels.

    They Are Seven in Number.

    The Jews were familiar with seven angels of Divine Order by the names: 1) Gabriel, as he said to Zacharias; "I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God." 2) In Luke 1:19 Michael is another, as he is ranked with Gabriel in the book of Daniel. In the book of Enoch, these are the names of the angels who watch: 3) Uriel, 4) Raphael, 5) Raguel, 6) Michael, 7) Sarakiel

    They Are Servants.

    They are standing. This is the position of service. The twenty-four elders are going to be sitting. The sitting position speaks of the dominion and rule of the heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ.

    Yet "standing in the presence of God" is to be above all other servants. In Esther 1:4, The 7 Persian princes who "saw the kings face", were the highest officers of the realm, and next to the monarch in rank and power.

    They Were Given Seven Trumpets.

    Trumpets are expressive instruments and God gave special directions in the use of the trumpet. The word "trumpet" can be found in 61 verses of the Bible. (Exodus 19:13; Levitucs 25:9; Psalm 47:5)

    Trumpets are an emblem of war. (Numbers 10:9; Jeremiah 4:19)

    Trumpets were for the convocation of the people, and the moving of the camps of Israel. (Numbers 8)

    Trumpets proclaimed the great festivals. (Numbers 10:10; Leviticus 23:24; 25:9; 2 Chronicles 29:27)

    Trumpets are used to announce royalty. (1 Kings 1:34,39; 2 Kings 9:13)

    Trumpets are associated with the majesty of God. (Ex. 19:16)

    Trumpets were used in the overthrow of the ungodly. (Josh. 6:13-16)

    The Mystery Angel, vs. 3-5

    John sees seven angels "which stood before God" and then he mentions "another" angel. Who is this "angel"?

    The Nature of "The Angel"

    "Another" (allos) means different. This same phrase is used in Revelation 7:2; 10:14-17; 18:1; 20:1. The word "angel" means messenger of God.

    The Office of "The Angel"

    This "angel" is the Angel of the Lord. He offers the prayers of saints. You cannot give something unless you have it. He had to receive them to give them. Angels do not receive worship, but "the Angel of the Lord" does. (Gen. 16:7,13; Ex. 3:2-5; Joshua 5:13-15).

    There are many passages in which the expression the "angel of God" or "angel of the Lord" is definitely for a manifestation of God Himself. Compare Genesis 22:11-12; 22:15-19; Exodus 3:2-6.

    The Ministry of The Angel

    Scripture itself presents us with details that tell us that this Angel is the Lord:

    The First Proof - He had "a Golden censer"

    This instrument was used by the priests, in the ministry of the worship of God. However, it was used only by the high priest in the holy place. This indicating our great High Priest who is now entered into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God. We remember that that this is a scene in Heaven.

    The Second Proof -He offers the Prayers of Saints before God.

    vs. 3 "All Saints". There is no record of such an office found in the scripture as being assigned to angels, however, there is record of this office being executed by the Lord Jesus. Eph. 2:18 I Tim. 2:5 Heb. 7:25; Heb. 13:15 I Peter 2:5 I John 2:1;

    The Third Proof - He casts fire on the earth.

    Verse 5 tells us the fire is taken from the altar.

    Luke 12:49 -- I [Jesus] came to send fire upon the earth.

    This fire is a symbol of the Divine Presence and Power. (Exodus 3:2 Deuteronomy 4:36 Psalm 50:3 97:3; Isaiah 66:15-16; Acts 2:3)

    This fire is an Instrument of Divine Judgment. The action indicated here by the casting into the earth speaks of judgment. (Genesis 19:24; Leviticus 10:2; Numbers 11:1; 16:35; Malachi 4:1; 2 Kings 1:10; 2 Thessalonians 1:8; 2 Peter 3:10)

    The Fourth Proof - To offer incense with prayers. vs. 3-4

    "Given unto Him much Incense."It was given to Him through merit. For without His death and atoning work coupled with His pure and Holy life, there would be no force in prayer. God hears us because of Him.

    The Compounding of the incense is given with great precision in the Old Testament. It was to be made of specific ingredients in exact proportion (Exodus 30:34). Any compound that did not meet the exact specifications given by God was to be rejected as strange incense (Exodus 30:9). It was to be tempered with salt as it was holy and was never to be used for ordinary purposes. Any one who tried to duplicate this incense for themselves was to be cut off from his people (Exodus 30:38).

    Notice carefully the order:

    Flash of Light - The Release

    The Thundering Voice - The Messenger

    The Shaking of the Earth - The Results

    Section 4: Angels & Trumpets

    Introduction to The Seven Trumpets

    Introduction to The Seven Trumpets (8:6-11:19)

    We are looking at the final blasts of judgment upon a wicked and rebellious world.

    The Martyrs are Remembered

    The seventh and final seal has been broken from the Sealed Book (8:1). The prayers of all the saints have been accepted before God (8:3,4). Remember now,God has promised to avenge the martyred saints.

    Revelation 6:9-11 -- And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held: 10 And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth? 11 And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled.
    <blockquote>Matthew 18:6-7 -- But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea. 7 Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!</blockquote>

<p>These martyred Believers are an important part of the judgments of God on the earth. It is not that the world has rejected these saints so much as they have rejected Christ.</p>
    I Samuel 8:7 -- And the LORD said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them.
    Luke 10:16 -- He that heareth you heareth me; and he that despiseth you despiseth me; and he that despiseth me despiseth him that sent me.

    Every Christian martyr is a testimony to the grace of God and a witness against this sinful world. The Greek word "martus" (martyr) means a witness or record. (see Matthew 18:16; Mark 14:63; Luke 24:48; Acts 1:8,22; 2:32; Hebrews 12:1; I Peter 5:1; Revelation 1:5.)

    Luke 24:46-48 -- And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: 47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 And ye are witnesses of these things.

    The Trumpets of Judgment Are Sounded

    Time has now come for the final judgments.

    Revelation 8:6 -- And the seven angels which had the seven trumpets prepared themselves to sound.

    Not all seven were to sound at once, but varied events followed each trumpet as it was sounded. God has prearranged the order and time for each to sound. There are none that are alike but there is a progression of greater judgment with each trumpet.

    Section 4: Angels & Trumpets

    The Sounding of Trumpets One, Two, Three and Four

    The Sounding of Trumpets One, Two, Three and Four

    The Sounding of The First Trumpet. Vs.7.

    The nature of the judgment.

    "Hail and Fire mingled with blood." Micah 7:15; Jer. 23:7-8. They were like the plagues of Egypt. Ex. 9:23-28; Joel 2:30. "Hail" "Fire""Blood"Could it be the Blood that they rejected, will judge them.

    The Action of the Judgment.

    "They will cast upon the earth" "Ballo" cast; to throw; hurl (a violent or intense action).

    The Effects of the Judgment.

    The third part of threes was burnt up, and all green grass was burnt up.Every field and meadow stripped of its growing crops, and bloody and putrid blackness spread over all the world. This has somewhat of a correspondence to an earlier stage, under the sixth seal. Not to hurt earth, the sea, nor the trees, till the servants of God were sealed. The sealing now has been accomplished, the prohibition is lifted. (Revelation 7:3)

    The Sounding of the Second Trumpet. Vs. 8-9.

    The Nature of the Judgment.

    Like a burning mountain " As it were a great mountain burning with fire." It looked like a burning mountain. It is not literally a mountain/volcano, but the image of a meteor.

    The Place of the Judgment.

    The Sea is the place of this plunging mass. "Was cast into the sea: " It would seem as if some particular sea was meant. If so, what sea? The Mediterranean Sea, which means the midland sea, or the middle of the earth. Around this sea the greatest recorded events of the world and of the Church have been enacted, and which is the central sea of all history, both sacred and profane.

    The Effects of the Judgment.

    "The third part of the sea became blood."

    "The third part of the creatures which were in the sea, and had life died."

    "The third part of the ships were destroyed." Burned, sunk, or dash ashore. Ex. 7:20; Psa. 78:44; 105:29; Hosea 4:1-3; Zeph. 1:3; Isa. 2;12-1###Here John sees the fulfillment of these predictions.

    The Sounding of the Third Trumpet, Vs. 10-11.

    The nature of the Judgment.

    "There fell a great star from heaven," - This star falls out of heaven. "Burning as it were a lamp." "Torch," - This star has a name. The Name of the star, vs 1 "The star is called wormwood""Wormwood" -"Absinthe " is a bitter; intoxicating, and poisonous herb. It produces convulsions, paralysis, and death.

    The Place of the Judgment. vs. 10

    "It fell upon the third part of the rivers, and upon the fountains of waters. " Jer.9:13-15.

    The Effects of the Judgment.

    vs. 11 "The'third part of the waters became wormwood. "

    "Many men died of the waters."

    "Because they were made bitter" - "Poisonous "

    The Sounding of The Fourth Trumpet, vs. 12 -13.

    It doesn't say what it is - it only says what it effects and what those effects were.

    The Place of The Judgment vs. 12.

    "The third part of the Sun was smitten ."

    "The third part of the Moon."

    "The third part of the Stars."

    The Effects of the Judgment.

    "The third part of them were darkened."

    "The day shone not for a third part of it."

    "The night likewise.

    Isa. 13:9-11; Eze. 32:7-8; Joel 2:10,30-31; 3:15; Zeph. 1: 14-16; Matt. 24: 29; Luke 21: 25.

    The Announcement of Greater Judgment, vs. 13.

    Is a .pre-announcement of the general character of what is to come, a fore warning of greater judgment to come.

    A Flying Messenger - "An angel flying through the midst of heaven."

    Proclaiming with a loud voice: "Saying with a loud voice"

    Terrible Judgments, "Woe, woe, woe, to the inhabitants of the earth."

    Section 4: Angels & Trumpets

    The Sounding of The Fifth Trumpet

    The Sounding of The Fifth Trumpet - Rev. 9:1-11

    The fifth trumpet is different in character from the preceding four. All are blasts of judgment, and all belong to the "Great Day of the Lord." Thus far, the trumpets have blown only for the objects of physical nature, and wrought their effects through disturbances in the material world. But the trumpet now before us goes beyond the physical world and calls into action quite other agencies. The doors of separation between the earth and the prison of evil spirits are opened.

    What the Star Is - vs. 1.

    This is not a meteor for this star is an intelligent agent, he has ascribed to him distinctive characteristics that could not possibly be ascribed to anything but a living being.

    vs. 1 - "To him was given the key"

    vs. 2 - "He opened the bottomless pit"

    vs. 3 - "There came out of the smoke locusts upon the earth. "

    We must conclude that this is not a material but a spiritual star.It is a "Fallen Star"

    Who The Star Is - Isa. 14:12.

    Vs. 11 Says the "star" is the king over them, whose name in the Hebrew is Abaddon, but in the Greek tongue hath his name "Apollyon"destroyer; devil; Satan.

    The Time of His Fall -

    At the time of the original creation, he fell into the condemnation of the devil. But in Revelations he fell from heaven to Earth. Just prior to the Rapture of the Church, the Devil is cast out. Rev. 12:7-9.

    The Key Given -

    Key speaks of Power - And authority to use that power. Peter was given the keys to the kingdom the power to open the door of the Gospel. Christ had the keys of death and hell at His side.

    The key is "given - Cannot go beyond what he is permitted. Evil would override the world.

    What The Key Is For -

    "The Bottomless Pit." - The Release of the Locusts.

    What The Locusts Are -

    Their Nature.

    Locusts have no king, Prov. 30:27. They are supernatural, angelic beings.vs. 11.Jude 6; II Peter 2:4.

    Their Forms -

    "like unto horses"-"like unto men"-"have hair like a woman,"-"have teeth of lions" - " have breastplates of iron," - "have wings, " - "have tails"

    Their Intelligence

    They have a certain amount of intelligence. vs. ###Commands are given to them.

    Their Power -

    Is limited -vs. 4; The extent of their power is to horrify and torment, vs. 5.

    The Duration of their torment, vs. 5 and 10.

    Section 4: Angels & Trumpets

    The Sounding of the Sixth Trumpet

    The Sounding of the Sixth Trumpet - Rev. 9:12-21

    The Voice of this Judgment.

    "I heard a voice."

    The location of the voice-

    "From the four horns of the golden altar."

    The place of intercession, prayer, petition and mercy. (Rev. 8:3-5; 1 Kings 1:50-53 )

    "Which is before God."

    This is a Divine judgment. As it comes from the presence of God, it has His sanction.

    Who the Voice Adresses

    "To the sixth angel" - vs. 14 The Sixth Angel sounds and The Voice responds.

    What the Voice was Saying.

    Revelation 9:14 -- …Loose the four angels which are bound in the great river Euphrates.

    The Release of the Angels.

    The Nature of the Angels.

    They are fallen and bound angels. (2 Peter 2:4; Jude 6)

    2 Peter 2:4 -- For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;

    They are high ranking angels. They were over others.

    Ephesians 6:2 -- For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

    The Purpose of the Release.

    To carry out judgment.

    "To slay the third part of men." vs. 15

    Isaiah 4:1 -- And in that day seven women shall take hold of one man…

    To give men what they desired.

    They worshipped devils - vs. 20. God lets devils destroy them.

    The Time of their Release.

    Prepared for a specific hour, day, month, and year. For example: 9:00 am, 12th day of April 2014.

    The Vision of Horses and Horsemen - vs. 17.

    "I saw the horses in the vision and them that sat on them."

    Their Number (vs. 16)

    200,000 x 1,000 = 200,000,000. Two hundred million.

    To place the size of this host in perspective consider the size of the worlds armies today. In 2013, The top five countries with the largest armies were China (2,285,000), United States of America (1,458,219), India (1,325,000), North Korea (1,106,000), and Russia (1,027,000).

    Their Nature

    These are no ordinary horses, but are executers of these four fallen Angels. These horses fulfill the will of these four fallen Angels and act on their behalf.

    Their Description- vs. 17.

    "Having Breastplates of Fire." In Ephesians Breastplates of Righteousness -Here breastplates of fire—a symbol of Judgment

    "Having breastplates of Jacinth" According to Elliott, the jacinth color, is the dark purple or blue the color of smoke.

    "Having Breastplates of Brimstone."

    Brimstone is sulphur. A horrible burning.

    "Their heads were as the heads of Lions" - Heads speak of Authority or Rule - Lions speak of Power.

    "Out of their mouth issued fire and smoke and brimstone." vs. 17.

    "By these three was the third part of men killed"

    The Place of their Power- vs. 19.

    "Their power is in their mouth and in their tails."

    The Condition of the World -

    Unrepentant - vs. 20.

    And the rest of the men which were not killed by these plagues yet repented not.

    Worshipers of Demons.

    That they should not worship devils.

    Idolatrous - Idolatry in various forms: Idols of gold, silver, stone and wood.The world Church at this time is still flourishing, however she shall be destroyed by the ten kings that reign with the Anti-christ.

    Wholesale Murders - vs. 21. Murderers will run Rampant.

    Neither repented they of their murders. [plural].

    Feticide - Abortions - Murder of unborn.

    Infanticide - Abortions - Murder of new born.

    Homicide - manslaughter - Murder of h4ving.

    Suicide - manslaughter - Murder of ones self.

    Fratricide - manslaughter - Murder of ones brother.

    Matricide - manslaughter - Murder of ones mother.

    Parricide - manslaughter - Murder of ones parent.

    Euthanasia - manslaughter - Murder of the feeble - Mercy kilh4ng. Murder" -"phonos" - to slay - slaughter.

    Practice of Sorceries

    Foreseeing or Foretelh3ng of the future events by the aid of evil spirits; witchcraft, magic, enchantments. Impure practices with evil agencies, and particulary with poisonous drugs. "Sorcery" - "pharmakcia" - medication - "pharmacy" - Magic - sorcery -witchcraft -drugs.

    Practice of Fornication

    "Porneia" - Harlotry - adultery - incest Unlawful lust of either sex. Homosexuals -Similar tothe word swinish. While fornication is being h3censed by the opinion of Churchmen, God still hates it, and will judge it.

    Practice of Thievery

    "Theffs" - "Klemma" - Kepto - (maniac)Wholesale Robbery.

    Section 4: Angels & Trumpets

    The Cloud-Robed Angel

    The Cloud-Robed Angel (10:1-11)




    Revelation 10:1 -- And I saw another mighty angel come down from heaven, clothed with a cloud: and a rainbow was upon his head, and his face was as it were the sun, and his feet as pillars of fire:

    The scene of the "Cloud-Robed Angel" is still part of the sixth trumpet that began in 9:13. It is not until 11:14 that the sixth trumpet (the second woe) is accomplished.

    The Angel

    The Title Suggests Deity. - "another mighty angel"

    "another"

    This Angel is distinct from the other angels mentioned as we have seen in Revelation 7:2 and 8:3. We should also note that the phrase "another angel" is also used several times in chapter 14 and once in 18:1, but especially chapter 14 does not seem to give the same sense of the exceptionalism of the angel as in the other passages.

    "mighty"

     John the Revelator uses the title "another angel" in 9 verses, but "mighty" (ischuros) angel is used only here in 10:1 and in 18:21 where a mighty angel announces and describes the judgment of Babylon the Great. "Ischuros" (greek word) is used in 7 verses by John and can be found in 25 verses throughout the New Testament. It is adjective describing what He is and not what He has. He is mighty,  powerful,  strong and boisterious. "Ischuros" can also be used to give a comparative sense: stronger, mightier, more powerful.

    Matthew 3:11 -- I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:
    Mt 12:29 Or else how can one enter into a strong man's house, and spoil his goods, except he first bind the strong man? and then he will spoil his house.
    1 Corinthians 10:22 -- Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he?
    Hebrews 6:18 -- That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:

    The Particulars Suggest Deity

    Inspection of the particulars of the Angel suggest He is more than just "a messenger", but is "The Messenger". More convincing of the deity of this angel than His actual title ("another mighty angel") is the details of his description.

    "clothed with a cloud"

    Clothing speaks of Condition (Sinful or Righteous). For examples see: 2 Chronicles 6:41; Job 8:22; 29:14; Psalm 35:26; Psalm 104:1. In Ezekiel chapter one, the cloud and rainbow was a description of the glory of God.

    Ezekiel 1:28 -- As the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud in the day of rain, so was the appearance of the brightness round about. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. And when I saw it, I fell upon my face, and I heard a voice of one that spake.

    Clouds also speak of Mystery (Indicating Deity). For examples see: Exodus 24:16;40:34; Lev. 16:2; Matt. 17:5.

    Clouds also speak of Judgment�. As clouds are indicators of a storm so the cloud here indicates a storm is coming! The storm is the judgments of God.

    "a rainbow was upon His head"

    The Rainbow is a Covenant Sign. God said in Genesis 9:13 that "I do set my bow in the cloud". The presence of this rainbow is sign of mercy which appears over the head of Him that is robed "with a cloud" which is sign of Judgment. In Judgment God Remembers Mercy!

    "His face was as it were the sun"

    In the first vision - Rev. 1:13-20. Mal. 4: 2 "Sun of Righteousness" Acts 26:13 "Above the brightness of the sun."

    "His feet as pillars of fire"

    This is an image of pureness and judgment. It is also an image of steadfastness and glorious majesty.

    "And He had in his hand a little book open:"

    Only ONE had proven worthy to open the book and release its seals!

    Revelation 5:5 -- And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.
    <h2>The Acts of the Angel </h2>

    Taking Possession

    As described in Deuteronomy 11:24, He is taking possession of the earth and its people. "He set His right foot upon the sea". The sea or water is often people in Scripture (see Rev. 17:1, 15). "And His left foot on the earth". The earth is the place where the people dwell. Who is the world under dominion to now? Under the rule of Satan. (John 12:31; Luke 4:6; II Cor. 4:4; Eph. 2: 2) The Devil is in control now, but Jesus is soon to take over. He sets His foot upon the sea, and the land, and takes hold as His own.

    Proclaiming Victory

    "Cried with a loud voice," Not the cry of defeat or fear. But of POWER, VICTORY and TRIUMPH; John 11:43-44 At the grave of Lazarus. Could it be that He is Awakening the Dead? "As when a lion roareth." He is known as "The lion of the tribe of Judah" Judah- Praise -Victory -shouting in victory. Song writer said -"That breaks every chain." Also the Prophet said - "The Lord shall roar out of Zion " Jer. 25:29-31

    Signaling Fulfillment.

    "lifted up his hand to heaven" vs. 5. a signal of Readiness or Victory.

    And sware by Him that liveth for ever and ever… …that there should be time no longer." vs. 6.

    There should be "No more delay" (Amplified Version). There is reason now for delay. II Peter 3:9-10.

    The Response to the Angel, vs. 3 "and when He had cried"

    Indication of (More) Judgment.

    More severe. "Seven thunders uttered their voices" Seven (Complete) Thunders or Judgment.

    Personality Ascribed.

    They speak -"Uttered their voices" John was going to write what he heard.

    A Command Given, vs. 4.

    Seal up those things which the seven thunders uttered, and write them not.

    The Scroll in the Angel's Hand, vs. 2a; 8-11.

    It is a Revelation, vs. 7.

    "The mystery of God should be finished (complete, execute, conclude) as He hath declared to His servants the prophets."

    The Nature of the Revelation.

    It had been a mystery. "He had in His hand a little book." The Book mentioned in Rev. 5; No man could open it -no one else.

    It is a mystery that has been solved . "A little book open" The mystery that had been hid for ages is now revealed.

    "Go and take the little book". Faith is the factor that receives from God. Faith takes hold of truth.

    "Which is open" Was closed now opened .

    "In the hand of the Angel" In His hand -earned -merited.

    Based on the merits of Calvary. "a Lamb as it had been slain" Chp. 5:6 We can only take the open Book - The Revelation of God - from the hand of Christ.

    The Effects of The Revelation.

    "In my mouth sweet as Honey"

    Psa. 119:103 -- How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!

    "My belly was bitter." Bitter in Experience, vs. 11 gives us a hint as to why it is bitter: persecution.

    Section 4: Angels & Trumpets

    Reinstating of the Jew

    The Reinstating of the Jew (11:1-2)

    This chapter is a continuation of chapter 10. In 10:9, John ate the little book and was told he must prophesy again. In 11:1, John is given a reed. The measuring of the temple takes place during the Judgment of the Sixth Trumpet.

    The history of the Jewish people is a message to the church first of warning and then of comfort:

    <li>Comfort</li>
<p>The comfort is that God is specializes RESTORATIONS! The Jews like an unfruitful branch were cut off and the Gentiles grafted in, but God has always had a mind to restore a repentant Israel. God's prophets have warned both of the dispersion of the Jews and their eventual reinstatement. This reinstatement includes their re-establishment in Palestine, but most importantly includes their restored relationship with God.</p>

    The Instrument Given

    A Reed

    The instrument of judgment given to John is "A Reed" (Kalamos). This is not a "frail reed" as in Matthew 11:7, but is an instrument of measurement as in Isaiah 44:13, Amos 7:7 and Ezekial 40:5.

    This reed is a "canon", "Law" or "rule". 3rd century church leader Origen used the word canon to refer to the "rule of faith". We can find the greek word "kanon" used five times in the N.T. (2 Corinthians 10:13,15,16; Galatians 6:16; Philippians 3:16).

    Philippians 3:16 -- Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing.

    Note that this is "A Reed" and not "The Reed". It is "A Law/Rule" and not "The Law/Rule". God is not instructing John to measure according to the Old Testament Law and Forms, but the standard of measurement is the New Covenant which God has written on hearts and not tables of stone. (Hebrews 8:8-13; Jeremiah 31:31-34 )

    2 Corinthians 3:3 -- Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart.

    Like Unto a Rod

    This measuring reed is "like unto a rod" (Rhabdos) meaning a stick or wand, scepter (Matthew 27:9) or an instrument of chastisement (Matthew 27:30). Both Christ (Isaiah 11:4; Revelation 19:15) and the Overcomer (Revelation 2:27; 12:5) are described as ruling with a "rod of iron".

    Although John is witnessing a fuller office of rule for the Overcomer, in one sense the rulership of the saints in the world is already evident. A look at the laws of America alone reveals the great influence of God, His Word and His people in the creation of these laws.

    The Mayflower Compact, the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, our currency, all 50 state constitutions and the Pledge of Allegiance all affirm the sovereign authority of God. The Declaration of Independence and the Constitution both are premised on the need of the authority of law and not the authority of a man which is a Scriptural principle (Isaiah 8:19,20). For further study on Biblical influence on government consider: http://www.faithfacts.org/christ-and-the-culture/the-bible-and-government.

    For more on "Judgment by believers" see Psalm 149:5-9 and I Corinthians 6:2.

    The Instrument's Purpose

    In 11:1, The angel commands John to "rise and measure". "Rise" (eqeiro) means to awaken, rouse or raise.

    To Set A Standard.

    Measuring indicates limits and the laying down of borders, dimensions, or boundaries. The "reed" is the standard of comparison or measurement. There are no gray areas or guesses here. Absolute determination and inspection is made.

    The primary purpose of the measuring is to answer the question how does the temple compare to the standard? Such inspection reveals changes if there are any. The command to measure suggests important changes have been made. The old has been done away and a new is coming into view. Jews had been cast off for their backslidings, but now God will bring them back (Romans 11:11-27). (Note: The Jews trapped in Judaism are confident in their bondage because they measure with an old/expired reed.)

    To Declare Ownership.

    Measuring also indicates appropriation. As when a person purchases a property and detailed surveying is made so here what is measured is claimed or owned (Joshua 1:3). God is marking His territory!

    Hebrews 8:10 -- …I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people:

    The Articles Measured (vs. 1)

    "The Temple of God"

    I Peter 4:17 -- For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?

    There is both an earthly and spiritual Jerusalem or "City of God". (Nehemiah 11:1,18; Isaiah 52:1; Matthew 4:5; 27:52-53)

    It is the earthly temple being measured here. No human judgement is needed for the heavenly temple. In Revelation 21:15 we see a "Golden Reed" is used to measure the New Jerusalem. This Golden Reed is a Divine measurement. As it is built by God according to His own blueprint, the measuring in 21:15 reveals its perfection. The measuring in chapter 11 results in judgement.

    This temple in Revelation 11:1,2 will be judged and given to the Gentiles for a 3-1/2 years. (New Jerusalem will never be given to be trodden under foot.)

    "The Altar "

    The Measuring reminds Israel of The demands and commands of God in regard to the "Altar."

    Temple worship restored, vs. 1.

    Sacrifice Restored. Dan.8:11-13; 11:31; 12:11.

    The Worshippers

    The Jew will return to worship. "That worship there"

    The Jew will turn to God. Rom. 11:21-25.

    That Which Is Not Measured.

    vs. 2 "The court which is without the temple leave out" "Measure it not "

    It is given unto the Gentiles for a time."42 months" Isa. 1:27; Zech. 13:9; 14:1-4.

    God does not accept what will not meet the measurement.

    The Judgment of the Gentiles is reserved for the future.

    Section 4: Angels & Trumpets

    The Two Witnesses

    The Two Witnesses - 11:3-13

    These two witnesses are not presented to John in vision. They are described to him by the glorious Angel, who is the Lord Jesus Himself. The account that is given here is not John's but Christ's, given in His own words.

    Who, then, are these Two Witnesses?The connection in which the account is given may help to give us the answer. These Witnesses come upon us suddenly, in the midst of the scenes of the Judgment, and at a time when Christ is ready to take possession of the earth.

    Their Outstanding Circumstances -

    Ordained of God - vs.3

    "My two witnesses" - "And I will give power"

    Power to Prophesy -vs 3

    Power to Punish -vs. 5

    Power to Shut Heaven -vs. 6a

    Power to Work Miracles -vs. 6b,c

    Two in Number -vs. 3- 4

    Deut. 17:6; Matt. 18:16; Moses and Aaron -Caleb and Joshua Zerubbabel and Jeshua -Peter and John Old Testament and New Testament Everything to be established by two or three witnesses. Notice- vs. 4; Zech. 4:1-3. Zerubbabel the prince - Jeshua the priest They are two men God will raise up in this end time.

    Their Ordained Commission.

    They Are Witnesses.

    Prophetic Witnesses -Apostles -Martyrs - Witnesses Christ Himself -"The faithful and true witness" As Enoch - Noah - Moses - Elijah - Jonah in Ninevah - John the Baptist to Herod.

    They Rebuke Sin

    Expose Deception

    Demand Repentance

    Require Righteousness

    They Are God's Witnesses.

    "My two witnesses" vs. 3 Proving that this Angel is Christ. Not as He is now - but as Judge and King Not of the Bleeding Lamb but of the Avenger of His Elect. The Powers which they exercise - The Reason No Rain -

    Sin of Idolatry -

    Trust in False gods -

    Desecration of God's Temple -

    They Are Human Witnesses -

    They are People - vs. 3 "Clothed in sackcloth."

    They Prophesy - vs. 3 "They shall prophesy."

    They Can Be Hurt - vs. 5 "If any man hurt them."

    They Can Be Killed - vs. 7 "Overcome them, and kill them."

    They Are Raised From The Dead - vs. l1

    "After three days and a half the spirit of life from God entered into them."

    They Ascend into Heaven - vs. 12 "They ascended up to heaven"

    Who are They? Some believe Moses and Elijah. Some believe Enoch and Elijah. Some believe O.T. and N.T. Some believe a body of believers. Malachi 3:1-6; 4:1,5-6; Matt. 17:10-13; 11:14-15; Luke 1:15-17. John the baptist was a partial fulfillment - Mal. 4:6; Luke 1:17. Lev. 26:1,9; Jer. 14:22; Zech. 10:1,2; Hag. 1:9-11. The Reason water to blood - Because of the bloody and oppressive tyranny. Moses in Egypt. The bloody persecution.

    They Are Merciful Witnesses.

    Though they appear in judgment, the message is a warning - "To flee from the wrath to come" - But they will hot listen - II Thess. 2:9-11.

    What have we identified the two witnesses to be? Now we continue… Their Times -Their Doings -Their End

    The Times of These Two Witnesses.

    They are not Gospel Times.

    The Jew and his Temple.

    Ministers- different from Gospel ministers. vs. 5.

    They kill -vs. 10 torment - deal out fiery judgment.Avenge the very wish to injure them. We are not to avenge ourselves.Not to smite and kill our enemies - but love them. Jesus was crucified Stephen was stoned. James was beheaded. Peter was crucified.Paul beaten -imprisoned - beheaded - Polycarp is burned.The Gospel is a thing of joy. Isa. 57:7.

    Their garments symbols of calamity and judgment. The heavens are shut - no rain -no grain. Waters are turned to blood.

    They are very Evil Times.

    Times of great affliction and sorrow for God's true ministers. Hell has incarnated itself upon earth.

    From the Abyss has come the Beast. All the world wonder at -

    All worship and adore him - Not given to the worship of God.

    War rages against God's People. Rev. 12:13 They are overcome.

    The two witnesses are killed. How many more?

    They are times of Miracles, vs.3 The Two witnesses

    The Beast and False Prophet - lying signs and wonders. II Thess. 2:3-10.Deceiving the world - Rev. 13:12-13 Moses overcame the magicians.These overcome the witnesses vs. 7.

    The Work of These Two Witnesses.

    They Are Prophets, vs.3; vs. 6; vs. 10. They Are Preaching Prophets. Expounding God's Word. Calling to Repentance. They are , also Judgment Prophets, vs. 3 Elijah called down fire "consumed fifty" etc. Mal. 4:6 "smite the earth with a curse."Hebrew word -utter destruction. Matt. 24:21-22.

    The End of These Two Witnesses.

    Their career, though illustrious, and crowded with miracle from beginning to end, is very brief. vs. 3.They shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days. 3 -1/2 years.

    They Are Killed -vs. 7.

    Put to death. "When they shall have finished their testimony. "When their work is complete.

    The Form of Death They Die - vs.8.

    Some believe reference is made of crucifixion. The ordinary mode of execution (at this time) is by beheading. Rev. 20:4a.

    The Place of Death - vs. 8 "in the street…of the great city"

    They are denied burial. "Spiritually called Sodom and Egypt" This is further proof of the literalness of this prophesy. Jerusalem in Apostasy, is a Sodom. Isa. 1:9-10; 3:8-9; Deut. 32:30-33; Jer. 23:14.

    The Length of Their Death - vs. 1 3 -1/2 days.

    They do not remain dead. "Life came into ,them -and stood upon their feet." The world is left in shock -

    They Ascend into Heaven - vs. 12.

    They hear the call. They descend up to heaven.Their enemies behold them.

    The Witness of God To Their Ascension. vs. 13

    A great earthquake. At the death of Christ - earthquake. But no one died -it was Mercy-Love-Grace. Here is Judgment - "Tenth part of the city fell" vs. 13. "Seven thousand " slain - The earthquake in California

    Section 4: Angels & Trumpets

    The Sounding of The Seventh Trumpet

    The Sounding of The Seventh Trumpet (11:14-19)

    The Final Trumpet and Woe (vs. 14)

    The Coming of the Lord is the Seventh and Last Trumpet.

    A Woe

    Revelation 16:15—Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.

    A Mystery

    Revelation 10:7—But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God should be finished, as he hath declared to his servants the prophets.
    1 Corinthians 15:51,52—Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

    A Trumpet

    Matthew 24:31—And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.
    Revelation 11:15—And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.

    The Attending Manifestations (vs. 15-17)

    “There Were Great Voices in Heaven”

    There are many voices in heaven – Some are shouting (vs. 15).

  • Others shouting “Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty.” (4:8)
  • Some are singing a new song (5:9;14:3)
  • Voices shouting the Worthiness of the Lord. (5:12)
  • Some are worshipping (11:16-18)
  • A voice crying the Blessedness of the dead who died in the Lord. (14:13)
  • Voices crying to thrust in the sickle. (14:15)
  • An angel flying and shouting the fall of Babylon. And the fate of them that worship the Beast. (18:1-5)
  • Voices saying "Halleluia, Amen, Halleluia" (19:1-4)
  • A voice crying “It is done.” (21:6)

    • What the Voices Cry.

    “The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord.” (Daniel 7:13,14)

    “He shall reign forever and ever.”

    What the Four and Twenty Elders Do.

    “Sat before God on their thrones”

    Rule and authority with God.

    “Fell upon their faces. ”

    Not only bowed but fell on their faces.

    “And Worshiped God”

    This is what they said. vs. 17- 18. Lord God Almighty - Supreme in Authority “Theos” -The Supreme Divinity - All -Ruling -Sovereign “Which art, and wast, and art to come” - The same forever.

    The Attending Results of His Coming.

    A change in Government

    A change in the Government of the World, vs. 15

    The kingdoms that have been Babylon -Medo-Persia -etc.

    Their Nature – Wild beast to describe them – Dictatorial –Murderous – Demanding – Taxing. Things are not getting better. (2 Timothy 3:13)

    The Kingdom of Our Lord.

    The Judgment of the Dead. vs. 18.

    Shall be judged out of the books. Chpt. 20:12-15; Gal.6:7-8.

    Rewards Given To The Saints. vs. 18.

    "And that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name," - "Small and great" famous and none famous: What the Saints have gone through; Heb. 1###Pay day has not come. All shall be there - All shall be rewarded. Even a cup of water. Paul shall receive his crown ; II Tim. 4:7-8; Daniel shall stand in his lot - Moses shall receive his reward -that he had respect for Dan. 12:3; Matt~ 5:11-12; 10:42; 25:23; Luke 6:35; Eph.6:8; II Time. 2:1###Happy will be the people, when the last trumpet sounds, shall be found ready to meet the Lord.

    The Temple of God Was opened.

    There is a heavenly temple. Ex. 25:40; Heb.9:23; Copies- likenesses -patterns.

    The Ark is Seen.

    "Optanomia" - Gaze at something remarkable. - "Appear" "The Ark of His Testament" (Covenant) "There were lightnings" "And voices" and Thunderings, And an earthquake, and great hail.

    Section 5: Chapter 12

    Section 5: Chapter 12

    Introduction to Chapter 12

    Introduction to Chapter 12

    A Division of Thought

    Chapter 12 is a dividing point in the book of Revelation. Chapters 1-3 prophetically describe the entire church age. Chapters 4-11 start and continue from the Rapture in the middle of the 7 years of tribulation. Chapter 11 concludes with the Seventh Trumpet and the climax of Christ’s return to the earth at the end of the 7 years of tribulation. Chapter 12 resets back to the church age (the time before both the Rapture and the Translation) for further detail and prophetic truth.

    Though Chapters 1-11 have progressed linearly, to this point, there are gaps in ‘explanation’. For example, Chapter 3 ended with Christ’s appraisal of the Church being anything but complementary. Yet, chapter 4 graciously places the Church in the presence of God enjoying a great honor. Something has happened between the end of chapter 3 and the beginning of chapter 4 where the church is Raptured. Further explanation of this is given in the proceeding chapters of our study beginning with Chapter 12. Further details are given in Chapters 12-22 regarding the First 3-1/2 Years of Tribulation, concerning the wrath of God during the Second 3-1/2 Years of Tribulation and the Divine plan following that season of judgment.

    A Continuation of Prophecy

    It is important to remember that this is a book of prophecy and not history. Seven times Revelation refers to itself as words of prophecy.(Revelation 1:3; 11:6; 19:10; 22:7; 22:10; 22:18; 22:19)

    A prophetic warning before judgment is an absolutely necessary part of how God does business. As a matter of Divine policy, before God would send judgment as contained in the book of Revelation, God would first give warning through His prophets. (Compare Daniel 12:4 with Revelation 22:10, I Corinthians 2:10, and Revelation 2:17.)

    Amos 3:7 — Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.

    The Importance of This Revelation

    It was a sign.

    “appeared a great wonder” “Semeion” Miracle -Sign -Token -Wonder John 2:11; 4:45; 20:30; I Cor. 12:12; Matt.26:48;Luke 2:12; Rom.4:11; II Cor. 12:12; (II Thess.3:17 Token or Sign).

    John uses the word ‘semeion’ (a sign) here for the first time in the Revelation. The intention of a symbol is to communicate meaning beyond the symbol itself. A sign is a picture or symbol of something else. It is that ‘something else’ which is the true subject of contemplation.

    When interpreting Revelation it is necessary to understand that there is both literal and figurative language. Knowing when the writer uses which is key to understanding this book. When the Scripture is absent from a figurative expression or a figurative setting we should not try to make it figurative, but we should take it literal. Here John says,” And there appeared a great wonder in Heaven.” Something very mysterious is happening in the heavens. By John’s statement we know the scenes in Revelation 12 must be taken symbolically or figuratively and not literally.

    It was an important sign.

    ‘Megas’ (great) means extraordinary and important. Not only is this a sign, but this is “A great sign”. This is a great, important, extraordinary, and remarkable event that needs to be studiously considered.

    How and where this sign appears should alone tell us that it is very important and should therefore arrest our attention:

    It was Seen in the Spirit.

    “I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day.” John was transported through time and space.

    It was Seen in Heaven.

    “A great wonder in heaven.” That is, it was revealed to him in the heavenly realm.

    The meaning of this wonder is apart from the natural world. It is something of a heavenly order. It’s not a natural thing; it’s not in the natural order. It’s not of the earthly, but of the heavenly.

    Section 5: Chapter 12

    The Sun-Clothed Woman

    The Sun-Clothed Woman (12:1,2)

    A woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars.

    Who is this woman?

    Who the woman is not.

    She is not Mary —

    Mary was of a very lowly and poverty stricken condition. Can we really interpret properly the lowly state of that little peasant woman that brought Jesus into the world, with this prophecy, fulfilling this position of a woman clothed with the sun and moon under her feet and crowned with twelve stars?

    It was a woman that brought a man-child into this world, but was that man-child caught up to God as a child? Was Jesus just a child when He went to Heaven? “And her child was caught up unto God and to His throne.” This does not speak of a man 33 years old, fully matured, fully grown and fully developed. If John wanted us to understand that this was Jesus, I’m sure he would have said that the Lord Jesus was caught up to the throne. Also, Mary had passed away a long time before this vision.

    Now, let us look back into the first chapter of Revelation. I think there are some keys for interpretation there. Rev. 1 :3 says “Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy.” “This prophecy” has to do with prophetic utterance, foretelling something that is to come to pass. This book was written sixty years or more after the ascension of Christ. Remember, he is speaking of prophecy, something that is yet to take place. Also, in Rev. 1: 1 “Things which must shortly come to pass.” That is these things have not come to pass. This is not a record of history, but this is something that is to come to pass. Again, in Rev. 4: 1 ” And I will shew thee things which must be hereafter.” When Christ was caught up to God, this Revelation was not yet written and it was said at the time of writing these were future. Also, is Jesus the only one that will rule the nations with a rod of iron? Rev.2:24-27.

    She is not Israel —

    There is another school of thought, and probably this is the more prominent teaching today. This is the belief that this is literal Israel. Israel was an earthly heritage. An earthly people- An earthly kingdom - Earthly possessions. The only time anything is mentioned to Israel with the heavens is Abraham’s seed being as the starts of the sky, and then, only of those that are believers. Rom. 9:6-8.

    Israel as a nation is pictured in the Scriptures, especially in the book of Hosea, as an unfaithful wife and as a harlot on the streets. As you look at Israel today you can see that this is her condition rather that in the place of honor. Also, Israel was clothed with the law which speaks of judgment, darkness, and death. This woman is clothed with the “sun“.

    Some say this must be Israel because of what Isaiah said - Isa. 66:6, Look closely at the two texts. They are the opposite of each other.

    She is not the world church —

    A look at the condition of the church universally will reveal that she is not arrayed in this fashion - but, is worldly, ungodly, and devilish. How can an unholy thing produce a holy thing that is to be caught up to God and to His throne?

    Who the woman is

    The key to help interpret is in Rev. 1:4 “John to the Seven Churches.” Are we left to interpret whom John is speaking to? “The Seven Churches” The whole church age. John, when referring to something else, indicates this -when there is an absence of explanation -doesn’t it only make sense that he is speaking then to the Churches?

    A woman in scripture - Rev. 17 - False here. Rev. 12 - True Church. The woman is the Church. It is a revelation of Christ and the Church. Remember -” A great wonder in heaven.” This is the Church - the Body of Christ. Eph. 1 :22,23

    We see not a fulfillment but a beautiful type and foreshadowing of the birthing of the Man-child in the account of Mary and the birth of Christ in Luke The Church will prepared for her work by the Word of God.

    The Angel Brought a Word Luke 1:28; Eph. 1:6

    The Word brought was that she was “highly favored” of the Lord. This means she was “endued with grace“. God was with her and she was accepted by Him. What made her “favored” or “accepted” by God? (1) She was dedicated to the Lord [Jewish custom to dedicate their children to God by taking them to the temple when they are young.] (2) She was separated [vs. 27 She was a virgin] (3) She was a Believer though limited in her belief [vs. 29 “troubled” diatarasso — beyond her ability to believe.]

    Her question in verse 34 “How shall this be” was answered before she knew it- she was brought a Word and this Word must be germinated by the Holy Ghost.

    The Holy Ghost Has to Germinate the Word

    Luke 1:35 …The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: …

    “The Power” is that “dunamis” which is the supreme, infinite power of God. This was the same power with which God created the worlds. This work of perfecting the Believer is an IMPOSSIBLE one with us, but not with God!

    Luke 1:37 For with God nothing shall be impossible.

    Mary Had to Fully Surrender to the Word

    Luke 1:38 And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.

    “Word” in verse 38 is the Greek word “rhema“. “Rhema” is the revealed Word of God. Mary fully surrendered to the: (1) Written Word—Whatever WAS said, (2) Spoken Word—the preached Word and the (3) Living Word—Follow the Lamb!

    I Peter 1:4-5 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
    Section 5: Chapter 12

    The Man Child

    The Man Child,12:2-5

    “The Man Child (12:2-5)” is a continuation of the “great wonder” John saw in 12:1. Remember, as it is a “wonder” (sign, token, symbol) it demands our contemplation and careful consideration. The language used is intended to be interpreted figuratively. Also, in our previous study, we stated that the woman in verse one is the Church. Let us focus now not on the woman so much but the fact that she is with child and she gives birth to a “man child”.

    If there is a message that the devil hates, it is the message of the Man Child. This message threatens all the devil has accomplished and would like to do regarding humanity. The devil is persistent in his efforts to snatch away any seed of the message of the Man Child.

    Matthew 13:19 – When anyone heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth not, cometh the wicked one, and catch it the way that which was sown in his heart.

    The Identity of the Man Child

    If the woman is the church, who is the Man Child?

    Some believe the Man Child to be Christ. (i.e., Scofield)

    Consider some objections to this theory:

    This Wonder is Prophetic

    This chapter is part of the vision that was given to John the beloved 60 years after the ascension of Christ. The entire vision is a revelation of things that were “to come to pass” AFTER it was given (Revelation 1:1; 4:1). How then can the translation of this man child refer to the ascension of Christ, which occurred six decades before this vision?

    This Wonder is Unlike the Nativity

    Christ came down from heaven at birth. The Man Child is caught up to heaven.

    This Wonder is Unlike the Crucifixion and Ascension of Christ

    If this Scripture refers the ascension of Christ, why should the figure of a child, which the devil cannot kill (the Man Child is not harmed by the devil), “caught up unto God, and to his throne” be used to symbolize the ascension into Heaven of a full-grown man, whom the devil did kill? (Christ surrendered His life and He died.)

    The Man Child is a product of the Church.

    “The woman is in travail to bring forth”) the woman which is the church is producing sons.

    The Man Child is a fully mature son.

    Ephesians 4:13—Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
    Hebrews 5:14—But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

    The Man Child is the Overcomer in Revelation 3:21 and the Bride of Christ in Revelation 19:7.

    The Revealing of the Man Child

    The Seed

    ”And she brought forth” – tikto – to produce from seed. This “seed” is the Word of God presented much through the efforts of God's ministers which are God's gifts given to the saints (Ephesians 4:11-13).

    The seed is the revealed Word or the Word of God that has been made alive by the Spirit of God.

    The Birth

    To bring forth the child is to reveal (bring to light or manifest) the child.

    Romans 8:17-19—And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. 18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. 19 For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.
    1 Peter 1:3-5—Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

    The Pain

    Revealed with great pain. Vs. 2 “cried” travailing in birth. Pain to be delivered.

    Romans 8:23—And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.

    The Man Child will be brought forth through intercessory prayer.

    quot;Cried” – “krazo” – meaning to call aloud, to cry out, or any inarticulate cries. (Romans 8:26-27) This is not a pious recital of prayers, but is a travailing in prayer is a mother travails in giving birth. The prayer must be earnest and must be in faith. “Waiting” in Romans 8:23 is”Apekdechomai” meaning to fully or eagerly expect.

    Revealed under great persecution. Vs. 4

    There will be pain “basanizo” meaning to put to the test. There will be trials.

    “And the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born.” The devil will fight harder against this truth than any other truth that has been revealed because the Man Child takes his place in heaven. Vs.8.

    The Time

    The Man Child is revealed in the last time. The 11th chapter ends with Christ ruling the kingdoms of this world which are become the kingdoms of our Lord and of his Christ and he shall reign for ever and ever. Chapter 12 brings us back to the third chapter and at the end of the church age. Luke 21:28; one Peter 1:3– The time of the revealing is just before the tribulation. The church is still on the earth and will face 3 -1/2 years of tribulation—vs. 6 “in the wilderness”. Also, the Man Child is revealed before the Church is perfected. Verse 14

    The Nature of the Man Child.

    “A Man Child””Arrhen” or ” Arsen” - means male. It has to do with manhood and not gender.

    Manly characteristics -heroic virtues.

    They are strong -not weak.They are true -not false.Not full of hypocrisy.

    Overcomers, vs. 5

    .”Who was to rule” Rev. 12:11; 2:26,27; 3:21.The “Overcomer” is promised to sit with Him on His throne. These are “caught up to God and to His throne.”

    Humble, vs.11.

    Did not combat the devil in their own strength. II Cor. 10:4.

    The Characteristics of the Man Child.

    A student of the Word.

    To confess the Word, you must know the Word, vs. 11.”by the Word of their testimony”

    A believer in the Word.

    To confess the Word, you must believe the Word They believed in the blood of the Lamb because of the Word.Vs. 11 “overcame him by the blood of the Lamb.”

    A lover of the Word.Vs 11

    “And loved not their lives” They loved the Word more than their lives.

    The Development of the Man Child.

    There is a development here. The Scripture indicates a process—salvation, Holy Ghost Baptism and fully mature son.

    Conceived.”Gaster”

    Vs. 2 “With child” (Born-Again Believers)

    Conceived by the Word. The Word of God (like seed) is being planted in the Church by the Holy Ghost.

    Child.”Teknon”

    Vs. 4 “Developing”(Holy Ghost Baptized Believers)

    Son.”Huios”

    Vs. 5 “Matured” (the Bride of Christ, Overcomers)

    In type in Gen. 2:21, Adam and Eve. Gen. 5:24 Enoch - Methuselah - Noah.The Word of truth (like seed) is being planted in the heart of the Church by His Spirit. The Body of Christ is not yet fully-grown or mature but God is nourishing it.He will bring it forth.

    There are a lot of babes in the church. There are a lot of children in the church. There must be a maturing of sons – fully grown. A perfect man. Matthew 5:48; Ephesians 4:12-13. ”Huious” is a fully matured son (Hebrews 5:14) that is in a position to receive full inheritance (Galatians 4:1-2; I Peter 1:4) and full power (Ephesians 1:13-14).

    The Position of the Man Child

    As a child, the Believer does not differ from a servant (Galaitans 4:1).

    “Nepos” infant, non-speaking, immature, childish. As the Believer develops and matures in Christ there awaits for him an “adoption” or “positioning as son”. This adoption is what we are “waiting” (Romans 8:23) for: “the adoption” –the placing or positioning of sons (“huiothesia”).

    God does not adopt sinners into the family of God. The sinner must be born again into the family of God (John 3:7). The sinner is begotten by the Word and the the Spirit (John 3:5). Adoption is a term involving the positioning of Believers as sons. It is not a putting into the family by spiritual birth, but a putting into position of sons. Notice the Adoption the Apostle is speaking of (Romans 8:23) is yet future at his time. This positioning is a reward for MATURITY and OVERCOMING.

    Revelation 12:5 … who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron:…

    Because of the prophecies about Christ in Psalm 2:9 and Revelation 2:26-27 many believe that Revelation 12:5 is talking only about Christ.

    Psalm 2:9 Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.

    Revelation 2:26 And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations: 27 And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father.

    But, Christ promised a position on His Throne with those that will overcome even as He overcame. The manchilde goes to the Throne of God.

    Revelation 3:21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.

    Revelation 12:5 …caught up unto God, and to his throne.

    Section 5: Chapter 12

    The Great Red Dragon

    The Great Red Dragon - 12:3,4

    Rev. 12: 3, 4 "And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads. And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born." In our text is given "another wonder" (sign) that is to be interpreted after the same manner as the preceding 'sign.' It is not a 'literal' representation of the devil as he actually looks to the eye, but is 'figurative' of the devil's characteristics. The great red dragon is symbolic of the devil's destructive and murderous character. This wonder is a symbol of a fierce, hostile, evil power (satan) with which the Church has, and is, and must yet contend. This evil force is determined to hinder the progress of the Church and destroy her hopes.

    The Dragon

    The Image or "Sign" is that of a "Dragon"

    Dragon means 'huge serpent&rsquot. Dragons have often been the embodiment of the fear of the unknown. In Greek mythology, these giant serpents often guarded the far and unexplored parts of the earth.

    DRAGON — "The dragon, figured prominently in ancient and medieval mythologies as an embodiment of evil principle. It has been superstitiously dreaded and even worshipped, as in China, where it is the imperial emblem. It is commonly represented as a large winged serpent, with a crested head and powerful claws. In classical mythology, a dangerous, often a supernatural serpent." —Standard Dictionary The word dragon is derived from the Greek word drakōn. This Greek word means 'to see'. Ancient Greeks believe the drakōn had incredible sight and could spot hiding prey no matter how well hid. There is no doubt as to the significance of the dragon symbolizing the devil as the dragon is a symbol of a power that is harmful, wicked, evil, tyrannous and murderous. The devil is a hideous blood-thirsty monster, always "seeking whom he may devour" (1 Peter 5:8). Understand, this dragon is a terrible creature that delights in attacking, terrifying and devouring. It is especially determined to attack and destroy the truth of God's Word. Matthew 13:19—"When any one heareth the Word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side." Luke 8:12—"Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the Word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved." 1 Peter 5:8—"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:"

    It is "A Great Dragon"

    While the picture in general is that of a dragon, it is altogether peculiar and different from the common dragon. It exceeds the ordinary idea in size and bulk, and every dragon feature is greatly magnified. The dragon is "great" in its evil accomplishment and great in its power to kill. It is "a great… dragon." "Megas" — "Great"means mighty of external form, mighty in degree and intensity, mighty of rank (whether of persons or angels) of all those who have positions of authority and power Here is a being that has dared to set himself against the Almighty God. This "dragon" is trying to overcome Him and take over the universe by taking from the Creator His own creation.

    The devil has the power of death.

    He has the power to put to death.

    Heb. 2: 14 - Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, He also Himself likewise took part of the same; that through death He might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; The devil's ability to cause and create terrible afflictions is seen throughout the Bible, but the devil' power to kill was greatly limited by Christ's sacrifice on the cross. The Law of God itself demanded death of EVERY soul that sinned. Now, because Christ paid the debt of death for the Believer, the devil has lost any legal claim to lives of the repentant. There is no such security for the unrepentant sinner. Although the devil had the power of death, it was through death that Christ defeated him! —James Reynolds Sr.

    The devil has the ability to deceive.

    He is great in his ability to deceive and destroy. The devil has the ability to deceive the whole world.

    Revelation 12:9—And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the devil, and satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. What a power of deception must lie in him who deceives angels to follow him!

    It is "A Great Red Dragon"

    It is "red," seemingly for two reasons. The first is to enhance his terrible appearance. The second is suggestive of his murderous, destructive character. It is a peculiar color."Purrhos" — "Red" — fiery — bloody — the color of blood — murder. This was the color of the horse whose rider was to take peace out of the world, and bring about terrible war and bloodshed.

    Revelation 6:4—"And there went out another horse that was red: and power was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another: and there was given unto him a great sword." Jesus said the devil was a murderer from the beginning, and could not tell the truth. Jn. 8:44 "Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it." "There has never been a murder, but he (the devil) caused it."—Dr. J. A. Seiss Fiery red also indicates the destructive and cruel nature of the dragon. The dragon is burning like fire with rage and out of control with malignant hatred against that which is righteous and godly.

    It has "Seven Heads"

    Seven is a number of completeness, or fullness. This indicates the fullness of evil and wickedness. Dragons ordinarily were given one head, but this dragon possesses "seven heads." Two heads would indicate confusion. Here there are seven heads. "Seven heads" also reveal a total and complete state of confusion. The head is the seat of governing power and it implies rule and control. The fact there are seven heads should be understood in the same sense that we read of "the seven Spirits of God" — a manifold unity. We have here in these heads the symbol of the entire imperial reign and rule of this world from the beginning of time to the end of this present age. Three times the Lord calls the devil "…the prince of this world."

    Jn. 12:31 "…Now shall the prince of this world be cast out." Jn. 14:30 "…For the prince of this world cometh…" Jn. 16:11 "…Because the prince of this world is judged." The Apostle Paul called him the "god of this world." II Cor. 4:4 "…The god of this world hath blinded the minds…" 1 John 5:19 "…The whole world lieth in wickedness." 1 John 5:19—"The whole world (around us) is under the power of the evil one." (The Amplified Bible) The image before us presents the dragon having dominion over the governments of this world. Therefore, through these world powers, he sets himself against the kingdom of God and all that is good and right.

    It has "Seven Crowns upon his Heads"

    The "heads" being "crowned" would indicate at least to some degree, that he has been successful in his diabolical attacks.

    Successful in Deceiving — A Crown

    Rev. 12:9 "And the great dragon… called the devil, and satan, which deceiveth the whole world…"

    Successful in Dividing — A Crown

    I Cor. 11: 18 "…There be divisions among you…"

    Successful in Defeating — A Crown

    Matt. 24:12 "And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold."

    Successful in Denying — A Crown

    Jude 4 "…Denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ."

    Successful in Devouring — A Crown

    I Pet. 5:8 "…Your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:"

    Successful in Delaying — A Crown

    Dan. 10:13 "But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days: but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me…"

    Successful in Deforming — A Crown

    Lk. 13:11 "…A woman which had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years,and was bowed together, and could in no wise lift up herself." Lk. 13:18 "…Whom satan hath bound…" He is the destroyer of both body and soul. He seduceth and misleads the whole world, promising everything including peace and prosperity, so that he can more effectively enslave and destroy.

    It has "Ten Horns"

    "Ten" signifies the perfection of Divine Order. This is in contrast to that of an evil, wicked being, so this would be in reverse of the Divine Order; complete and total disorder. "Keras" — "Horns" are symbolic of strength, power, dominion and kingly rule — kings and their kingdoms.

    Dan.7: 24 - And the ten horns out of this kingdom are ten kings…; Dan. 8:20 - The ram which thou sawest having two horns are the kings… These "horns" are not symbols of good rule but of evil power to hurt, wound, afflict and destroy. The forces which destroyedPalestinewere referred to as "four horns" in Zech. 1: 18—21 They scattered, oppressed, injured and destroyed the people of God. Likewise, the "horns" of the dragon scatter, divide, oppress, torment, injure, afflict, destroy and kill the believers in Christ.

    It has A Tail

    Rev. 4: 12 "…His tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth:… His tail is certainly one of the most striking features of the dragon. It swings through heaven drawing a third part of the stars and casts them to the ground. These "stars of heaven" are very particular stars. They are not literal stars, for the whole scene is a "sign." These were the angelic hosts, fitly called stars by reason of their brightness, shinning beauty and glory. Job 38: 4—7 "Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding. Who hath laid the measures thereof, if thou knowest? or who hath stretched the line upon it? Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened? or who laid the corner stone thereof; When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy? When Lucifer fell and became the devil, he was able to deceive and draw away a third part of the angels with him. Jude 6 "…Angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation… 2 Peter 2: 4 — … God spared not the angels that sinned… His tail is symbolic of his ability to deceive not only angels, but also humanity (including Believers). The devil has been successful in deceiving or 'drawing away' many saints of God. Many who secured a home in Heaven through Christ's atonement and their faith in His blood will let go of that faith and follow after the devil. Matthew 24:24—For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. Revelation 19:20—And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.

    The Mystery of the Dragon

    The dragon is not altogether that great a mystery because of:

    Rev. 12: 9 "And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the devil, and satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. The devil is not literally a dragon, as the Church is not literally a woman, but these are divinely given images or symbols. There is a devil. John recorded here that the dragon was the devil. …The great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the devil, and satan, which deceiveth the whole world… This is a great contrast from his original state. Isa. 14: 12 "How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground…" Eze. 28: 14 "Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth…" He was the highest order of all God's creation. Eze. 28: 15 "Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created…" Eze. 28: 17 "Thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty, thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness…" Perfect in "Beauty" — Full of "Wisdom" — Clothed in "Brightness" (Light — Truth — Righteousness) Lucifer fell from the anointed cherub that covereth, to a murderous dragon. What happened? What caused this terrible change? God did not make a dragon (devil); He created Lucifer — "The light bearer." God created him with a free will to choose to do good or evil. He was not the devil, but he became the devil through the desire to be like God, or to be God. The dragon has great power.

    Jude 9 - Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, the Lord rebuke thee. Lucifer is of the highest order of angelic beings, but is subordinate to God. Some compare the dragon in Rev. 12 to the Beast coming up out of the sea in Rev. 13. In Rev. 12, the seven heads wear the crowns. In Rev. 13, it is the horns that are crowned. The dragon is the head of a spiritual empire while the Beast is the head of a physical empire. This portrays a concentration of, and the exercise of, the devil's diabolical power in and through the world powers. There is a likeness between the Dragon and the Beast because they are both the workings of the devil. There is also the distinction between them because one works in the spiritual realm and the other works in the physical realm.

    The Objects of The Dragon's Malignity

    Rev. 12:4 "…And the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born."

    The First Objective is to Devour the 'Man-Child'

    To destroy and devour the "Man-Child," the devil would have to destroy the message (the Truth of the Word) that produces the "Man-Child." If there ever was a message that the devil hates, it is this message of the "Man-Child" — the message ofovercoming— the message ofperfection. Jesus said:

    Matt.13:19 "Then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown… The power of the Word is "…made of none effect…" (Rom.4: 14) in the lives of those that "…understandeth it not." (Matt. 13:19) When the Word is received and understood, it will produce the characteristics of Christ in the life of the believer. The Word produces to the extent that it is believed and obeyed. Jesus said by the same "Word" some would produce "…thirty, and some sixty, and some an hundred…" Mk. 4:20 "…Such as hear the Word, and receive it, and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred." The Scripture speaks of some as babes, some as children and some of mature age. Heb. 5:12—14 "For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the Word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil." The "Man-Child" will be a ruling body of Overcomers that will be given power to rule the nations. Rev. 2:26, 27 "And he that overcometh, and keepeth My works unto the end,tohim will I give powerover the nations: Andhe shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers:even as I received of My Father." Psa. 2:9 "Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel." Here we see Christ ruling with the rod of iron. It is said that Rev. 12 has to be Christ because they believe He is the only one that is ruling with the rod of iron. The Overcomer has this promise of being given this power to rule the nations with a rod of iron. The devil will try to devour the "Man-Child" as soon as he is born, but the "Man-Child" will be "…caught up unto God, and to His throne." This is the promise to the Overcomer. Rev. 3:21 "To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with Me in My throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with My Father in His throne." The dragon's desire is to devour the "Man-Child" who is destined to "…rule all the nations with a rod of iron…" that the dragon has ruled over. All satanic activities are carried out under the ambitious motive to rule and to be worshipped. Does the devil know he will lose this place? When this objective failed, he attacked the Woman.

    The Second Objective is to Devour the "Woman"

    Rev. 12:13 "And when the dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth, he persecuted the woman which brought forth the man child." In the Gospel according to St. Luke, Jesus spoke of the great and awful signs of the last three-and-a-half years of the Tribulation Hour. Lk. 21:12 "But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for My name's sake." "Basileus" — "King" — a sovereign — ruler — dictator (kings are not presidents) Several years ago the Lord showed me in a dream that the Church was going to go through "Great Persecution." The Church is persecuted for three-and-a-half years to bring her to a place of separation from the world and complete dedication to the Lord. Rev. 12:6 "And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days." (Three-and-a-half years) Rev. 12:15 "And the serpent cast out of his mouth water as a flood (false doctrine) after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away of the flood (false doctrine)." When this failed, he attacked the "remnant of her seed."

    The Third Objective is to Destroy the Seed

    Rev. 12:17 "And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed…" The "remnant of her seed" is the saints that are left after the Rapture of the Church, which takes place in the middle of the Tribulation Hour. These saints find themselves facing the last three-and-a-half years of the Tribulation. They are represented by the foolish virgins that neglected their experience. They will have to wash their robes in the blood of the Lamb, and will come out of Great Tribulation. Rev. 7:9 "After this (the sealing of the 144,000 Jews) I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;" Rev. 7:13, 14 "And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they? And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of Great Tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb."

    The Destiny of the Dragon

    Cast out of Heaven

    Rev. 12:8 "…Neither was their place found any more in heaven." Rev. 12:9 "And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the devil, and satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him." The devil's place was not left empty, but was found no more. The "Man-Child" now occupies that place.

    Bound in the Bottomless Pit

    Rev. 20:1—3 "And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the devil, and satan, and bound him a thousand years, And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season."

    Loosed a Little Season

    The dragon will be loosed for a short season. He goes forth and deceives many nations.

    Rev. 20:3 "…And after that he must be loosed a little season." Rev. 20:7, 8 "And when the thousand years are expired, satan shall be loosed out of his prison, And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea."

    Cast Ultimately into the Lake of Fire

    The dragon will eventually be cast into the lake of fire, where he shall be tormented forever, and forever.

    Rev. 20:10 "And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever."

    Section 5: Chapter 12

    The War in Heaven

    The War in Heaven, Rev. 12:7-12

    And there was war in Heaven

    The Fact of a War in Heaven

    A Fantastic Story?

    Skeptics ridicule the idea of a literal war, and are astonished that reasonable men should believe in such an event. They believe the idea of a “War in Heaven” belongs only in works of fiction.

    A Broad Symbol?

    The Moral Conflicts in the Church

    Others believe that this “War in Heaven” is a poetical and epic account of certain moral conflicts in the history of the Christian Church on earth.

    The Power Struggle in the Roman Empire

    Others believe the Dragon to mean the Pagan Roman Empire; Michael, the Christian Roman Empire; Heaven, the throne of the Roman Emperors; and the war in Heaven, the conflicts between the Pagan and Christian Roman Emperors.

    The War Between “Good and Evil”

    Also, some teach that we are not to believe that this was an actual event, but a sort of a summary of the prolonged battle between good and evil.

    A Definitive Strike!

    Verse 7 states, "And there was war in Heaven:", clearly communicating that John saw a “war in heaven”. There have been many battles…

    …, but this is WAR. John is not witnessing a battle, but a war, where (on the Earthly Front) the redeemed of humanity lay claim to the fullness of redemption, and (on the Heavenly Front) Michael and his angels, cast out the devil.

    In multiple places the Scripture describes satan's current estate allowing him liberty enough to accuse the righteous (compare Revelation 12:10; Job 1:9; 2:5; Zechariah 3:1-7; Luke 22:31; 2 Corinthians 12:7). John sees here a definite and decisive war that removes the ‘plaintiff’ from Heaven's courtroom!

    The Cause of The War in Heaven

    If the war John saw is a definitive and specific war (to be contrasted with the ongoing spiritual battles we face), it raises the question: “What causes this war?”

    As the struggle between the devil and the people of God on this earth is long and old, something new has to happen to spark the epic conflict in Heaven. Consider the relationship of the two following events:

    What caused the War in Heaven? John saw Heaven foreclose on the devil, and the devil placed under the overcomer's feet! God kept His promise and the devil had to see it coming.

    Romans 16:20a—And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly…

    The Forces of The War in Heaven (12:7)

    Michael and his Angels

    Some believe Michael to be Christ. This theory begs the question, “Why did Micahel say, ‘The Lord rebuke thee’?” (Jude 9).

    This is a heavenly host charged to defend and minister to the heirs of salvation (Hebrews 1:14).

    The Dragon and his Angels

    A great malignant kingdom, and a vast spiritual empire of evil, stands opposed to God's people (Ephesians 6:11,12). His angels are those that kept not their first estate but followed Satan in his fall (Jude 6).

    The Man Child (The Overcomer)

    Revelation 12:11—And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.
    Revelation 3:21—To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.

    The War in Heaven is with and on behalf of the "child." The devil will accuse the Believer before God for the LAST time.

    The Nature of The War in Heaven

    The War is spiritual and not physical in nature.

    There are battles going on in the physical world in many different places. This is a spiritual war that will take place in the heavens.

    The forces that are engaged are spiritual. The War is waged in the realm of "Heaven." We see no loss of life nor bloodshed in this War. (NOTE: Those that loved not their lives unto the death were martyred BEFORE this war.) Instead, there is loss of "place" or "position".

    It is a war of faith and knowledge.

    Revelation 12:11—And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.

    It is a war of believing and overcoming saints, supported by angels, against a malignant and hellish intellect inflamed with desperate hate and anger. In the conflict of Christ with the devil in the wilderness, the devil attacked His faith and His understanding. Like Christ, the overcomer knows, believes and fights for who he is in God. We can compare the dragon's contesting the Man Child's position on the throne with Zechariah 3:1-7.

    The Outcome of The War in Heaven

    The Dragon is defeated.

    With all his wisdom and power, and all the fury of his hosts, the effort is disastrous, "The dragon fought and his angels, and prevailed not."

    The Dragon loses his "place," vs. 8.

    "Neither was their place found any more in heaven."

    The Dragon is cast out, vs. 9.

    " And the great dragon was cast out," vs. 12.

    "Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and of the sea! For the devil is come down."

    The man-child is victorious.

    Sits on the throne. Reigning and ruling with Christ.

    Section 5: Chapter 12

    The Woman in the Wilderness

    The Woman in the Wilderness, Rev. 12:6; 13-16

    REVIEW: Verses 1 and 5 described the Woman as being "clothed with the sun", "having the moon under her feet", "upon her head a crown of twelve stars" and from out of her is produced the Man Child. We believe these details and the fact the this book is to be interpreted as prophecy identify this Woman as the Church or Body of Jesus Christ.

    The Flight of the Woman, vs. 6,13-16

    The Reason For Her Flight, vs.13.

    Revelation 12:12—Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.

    She makes her flight to the wilderness because she is persecuted ("dioko" to put to flight, drive away, to pursue) by the Dragon. Satan being ejected from heaven, by the Man Child with the aid of Michael and his angels, turns his wrath and venom on the woman. Satan persecutes the woman for two reasons:

    Having been cast out of heaven the Man Child is out of his reach.

    The woman is to be "blamed" for bringing forth the Man Child.

    Notice that the dragon's attention is on the Man Child and readies to pounce as soon as the Man Child is brought forth. The Dragon is not concerned with the Woman until He is defated and cast down to the earth. His attack on the Against the Woman is an act of defiant rage.

    The Place of Her Flight, vs. 6, 14.

    The Wilderness - vs. 6. " And the woman fled into the wilderness. " "Ran away" -"Escaped " "Eremos" it is an adjective -describing something rather than indicating a place. Meaning -"Desolate" -"Deserted" -"Lonely"

    A Place of Preparation -vs. 6

    "Where she hath a place prepared of God" Readiness -All preparedA place of:

    Discipline
    Training
    Testing

    Deut. 8:2-3 Israel in the Wilderness Rev. 3: 10 "Try" to test -scrutinize -discipline -examine -prove

    A Place of Persecution -vs. 13

    Great Persecution -"Great Wrath " vs. 12 "Thumos"hot anger -passion, as if breathing hard -fierceness -indignation. Most evil and wicked times on the earth.Dan. 12:2 Matt. 24:21-22 Luke 21:22

    A Short Time To Do His Work -

    "Hath but a short time"

    A Place of Provision -vs. 14

    Special and direct help of God.

    "Given two wings of a great eagle. " Ex. 19:4

    Endued with Soaring Power -Isa. 40:31

    "That she might fly (in) the wilderness. " vs. 6 says she's already fled into the wilderness.

    Finds Her Place - "…into her place."

    ( a) She had been out of her place.

    She finds her place in the wilderness.

    Israel wandered in the wilderness. Because of their "unbelief." It's here in the wilderness that she finds her place. Rev. 3:14-18.

    A Place of Nourishing -vs. 14

    "Where she is nourished" ( 1) The church fed and nourished. To bring maturity. "Trepho" -to feed, to make to grow Israel had manna in the wilderness - To get them ready to go into Canaan.

    "For a time, and times, and half a time."

    3 -1/2 years -First half of the Tribulation.

    "From the face of the serpent."

    As being towards view.Presence - Rev.4:1 - "Apo" -away, off, departure

    The Flood of the Serpent, vs. 15-16

    The Source of the Flood -

    "The serpent cast out of his mouth"

    False Accusations -vs. 10

    "The accuser of our brethren "

    False Doctrines -I Tim. 4:1

    "Doctrines of devils"

    The Nature of the Flood -

    "Water as a Flood" (Words as water.) The flood is typical of every form of destruction -Psa. 18:4 Isa. 59:14; Jer. 46:7-8 Jer. 47:2-3 Dan. 9:26

    The flood expresses overwhelming misfortune, the bitter persecution to which the Church will be subjected to.

    The Purpose of the Flood -vs. 15.

    That he might cause her to be carried away of the flood.

    To be overwhelmed -"Carried about" Eph. 4: 14

    The Failure of the Flood -vs. 16

    "The earth helped the woman "

    The earth frequently signifies -" the wicked. "

    Adam was made from the dust of the earth. I Cor. 15:47

    "The first man is of the earth, earthy. " Rev. 17:16-17

    "The earth opened her mouth "

    Could be a supernatural event. Num. 16:31-33 Ex. 15:11-12

    Section 5: Chapter 12

    The Flood

    The Flood -vs. 15

    The Source of the Flood -

    "The serpent cast out of his mouth"

    False Accusations -vs. 10

    "The accuser of our brethren "

    False Doctrines -I Tim. 4:1

    "Doctrines of devils"

    The Nature of the Flood -

    "Water as a Flood" (Words as water.) The flood is typical of every form of destruction -Psa. 18:4 Isa. 59:14; Jer. 46:7-8 Jer. 47:2-3 Dan. 9:26

    The flood expresses overwhelming misfortune, the bitter persecution to which the Church will be subjected to.

    The Purpose of the Flood -vs. 15.

    That he might cause her to be carried away of the flood.

    To be overwhelmed -"Carried about" Eph. 4: 14

    The Failure of the Flood -vs. 16

    "The earth helped the woman "

    The earth frequently signifies -" the wicked. "

    Adam was made from the dust of the earth. I Cor. 15:47

    "The first man is of the earth, earthy. " Rev. 17:16-17

    "The earth opened her mouth "

    Could be a supernatural event. Num. 16:31-33 Ex. 15:11-12

    Section 5: Chapter 12

    The Remnant

    The Remnant (12:17)

    Revelation 12:17—And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.

    This study concerns the "Seed of the Woman" and the war the dragon wages against them. Though completely defeated in his attempt to destroy the Man Child and the Woman, the rage of the dragon has not lessened. Because the Man Child and the Woman are now out of his reach, the dragon makes war with the Remnant of the Woman's Seed.

    The Remnant of Her Seed

    The Remnant Identified

    A Counter View

    Most that believe the Woman is Israel and not the Church, also conclude that the "Remnant" are a part of Israel who were left behind when the Woman fled into the Wilderness. This is a natural and logical conclusion if the Woman is believed to be Israel and that ALL Gentile Believers have already been "caught out" before this time. Clarence Larkin claimed "When the Church is caught out no REMNANT is left behind, all that are "IN CHRIST" are taken away;…"

    Mr. Larkin's claim is possible if no distinctions are made within the saints and all saints (regardless of spiritual maturity and level of obedience) will enjoy an identical reward. This statement appears to ignore the Scriptural truths that there are definite stages of Spiritual Development (For more on this topic see: &quot:The Born Again", &quot:The Body of Christ" and &quot:The Bride of Christ") and that God reserves promises relative to Spiritual Development. (See The Difference Between the Church and the Bride)

    Adopted View

    The premise we adopted in the beginning of our study of Revelation 12 is that the Woman is indeed the Church. See notes on The Sun-Clothed Woman for explanation.

    The "…Remnant of her seed…" are the true Believers in Christ who are left after the Rapture of the Church (they had no oil in their vessel at midnight when the Bridegrooom came and were left behind). These held fast the confession of their faith in Christ Jesus and are a separated people from the prevailing abomination of that time.

    The Remnant Defined

    "The remnant of her seed" means the children of the "Woman." This "remnant" are the born again believers (the family of God) who are converts of the Church (The Woman). The "remnant" is that which remains – that which is left out of the whole – that which is left from the Rapture of the Church.

    God reserves promises relative to Spiritual Development.

    These are TRUE Believers and not merely those who profess to Believe. Notice, how there is a distinction made between the masses who confess Christ and those who"…keep the commandments of God."(Revelation 12: 17)

    Matt. 7:21–23—Not every one that saith unto Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of My Father which is in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Thy name? and in Thy name have cast out devils? and in Thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from Me, ye that work iniquity.

    The War Against Her Seed

    Revelation 12:17 "And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed…"

    Defeated in his attack on the "Man-Child" (the Overcomers), and then defeated in his attack on the "Woman" (the Church), the dragon changes his focus and enters into a deadly war with the converts of the "Woman," "her seed."

    The Means the Dragon Uses in This War

    The Anti-christ

    The anti-christ will be the head of the one world government.

    Revelation 13:7 "And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them…"

    The False Religion

    The false religion is the system, which is practiced by the false prophet, bringing all the denominations of the world into one church. This one-world church will be government-controlled and government sponsored and headed up by the false prophet, who causes all to worship the "beast."

    Revelation 13:11–15 "And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon. And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed. And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men, And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live. And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed."

    The Economy

    A government-controlled one world monetary system will be introduced. No one will be able to buy or sell unless they fit into the government-controlled system and receive a mark in their right hand or in their forehead. There will not be a money exchange system, as we know it. There will be a transfer of credits through the computers, and without the mark you will not be able to transact business. This will force many to receive the mark.

    Revelation 13:16, 17 "And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name."

    Revelation 16:2 "And the first went, and poured out his vial upon the earth; and there fell a noisome and grievous sore upon the men which had the mark of the beast, and upon them which worshipped his image."

    Revelation 19:20 "And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast,andthemthat worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone."

    The Effects of the War

    Great Tribulation

    "Megas Thlipsis" – "Great Tribulation" – exceeding great affliction – to suffer affliction – primarily means a pressuring

    The Great Tribulation indicates a definite period of time, which was spoken of by the Lord, which precedes His Second Advent. The Second Advent is the "Epiphany," the revelation of Christ coming back to take over the kingdoms of this world. This is not the secret coming in the air where He raptures the Church.

    Matt. 24:29, 30 "Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken: And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory."

    The believers will be greatly persecuted.

    Matt. 24:21 "For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be."

    Revelation 2:22 "Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into Great Tribulation, except they repent of their deeds."

    Revelation 3:10 "Because thou hast kept the Word of My patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth."

    Saints Overcome

    Revelation 13:7 "And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them…"

    The "Man-Child" (the Overcomers) overcame the dragon.

    Revelation 12:11 "…They overcame him…"

    "The Woman" (the Church) escaped the dragon's attacks by a great miracle. However, these saints that were left behind during the last three-and-a-half years of the Tribulation are attacked and overcome by the dragon's murderous assaults. Permission was "given" (Revelation 13: 7) to the dragon and to the false-christ to make war with the saints and to overcome them. These saints are not Jews only, for the Scripture says, "over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations."

    Revelation 7:9 "…Of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues."

    Many Martyrs

    Many of the saints that are left behind and go into the "Great Tribulation" will give their lives as martyrs, because they refused to give up their faith in Christ Jesus the Lord.

    Matt. 24:9 "Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for My name's sake."
    John 16:2—They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service.
    Revelation 6:9–11—And when He had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the Word of God, and for the testimony which they held: And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost Thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth? And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellow servants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled.
    Revelation 7:9–14—After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the Throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the Throne, and unto the Lamb. And all the angels stood round about the Throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the Throne on their faces, and worshipped God, Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen. And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they? And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
    Revelation 14:12,13—Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.

    The Martyrs' Reward (Revelation 7:15-17)

    They are Before the Throne of God
    They Serve Him… in HisTemple
    They Dwell with Him that Sits on the Throne
    They Shall Hunger No More
    They Neither Thirst Anymore
    They Shall No More be Scorched with the Heat
    They Shall be Fed by the Lamb Himself
    They Shall be Lead unto Living Fountains of Waters
    They Shall Have No More Tears

    Section 6

    Section 6

    The Beast Out of the Sea

    The Beast Out of the Sea (13:1-10)

    Revelation 13:1—And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy.

    John is seeing in the Spirit a vision of "The Beast".

    The Origin of the Beast

    The beast will not come from any particular place or people, but will rise up out of the sea of all humanity. The sea has to do with nations and peoples as explained in Revelation 17:15.

    Revelation 17:15—And he saith unto me, The waters which thou sawest, where the whore sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues.

    The fact the beast rose up is referencing it coming into power. The beast rising to power is enabled by the great sin and rebellion in the hearts of humanity. Blame for the great corruption in the world cannot be laid on any particular nation, but all nations have facilitated this climax of evil. Satan seizes the opportunity of man's rejection of God's will and embodies evil in treacherous leaders. God allows leadership to arise that the people deserve!

    Isaiah 47:10-11; Galatians 6:8; James 4:1; Zechariah 11:7-16

    Zechariah 11:16—For, lo, I will raise up a shepherd in the land, which shall not visit those that be cut off, neither shall seek the young one, nor heal that that is broken, nor feed that that standeth still: but he shall eat the flesh of the fat, and tear their claws in pieces.

    Where did this beast come from? Man's rejection of God as KING and their TRUE SHEPHERED.

    Psalm 81:11—But my people would not hearken to my voice; and Israel would none of me.

    The Description of the Beast

    The Beast as a Whole

    Distinct from the Dragon

    The Dragon The Beast of the Sea
    Revelation 12 Revelation 13
    7 heads wear crowns 10 horns are crowned
    spiritual empire physical empires

    Controlled by the Dragon

    There are likenesses between the Dragon and the Beast because they are both the workings of the devil. The dragon is the head of a spiritual empire while the Beast is the embodiment of physical world powers. As there is one Beast with seven heads, so the system or power at work (the dragon/satan) is still one and the same though different nations or leaders rise and fall. The Beast in this vision represents the entire history of human governments and evil that has been at work in them by the devil. The Beast is a world system of rejection of God and worship of the devil.

    There will be a seventh and 'new' kingdom of the Anti-christ that will rise as the world power, but the system that drives and the rebellion that fuels will not be anything new.

    2 Thessalonians 2:7-8—For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. 8 And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:

    Having Seven Heads

    Revelation 17:9-10—The seven heads are seven mountains … And … there are seven kings.

    Mountains in the scriptures can be typical of kingdoms. See: Psalms 30:7; Jeremiah 51:25; Daniel 2:25.

    Five Are Fallen

    In the 17th chapter we read: "…Five Are Fallen…": Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Persia, and Greece.

    At this particular time John is beholding this scene, there has been five fallen.

    One Is

    "…And One Is…": Again, there was "one" in power at the time of John's vision—there is no question as to what kingdom it was. The Roman Empire was still in rule and power at that time.

    The Other is not Yet Come

    "…And the other is not yet come…". That is, the anti-Christ has not yet set up his kingdom. He is the seventh kingdom and he must continue a "short space".

    He comes on the scene during the first part of the Tribulation and then in the middle of the tribulation he is slain with the Sword and resurrected to life to be the eighth which is of the seven. His resurrection restores one of the seven heads of the beast and is not a new and eighth head (the beast only has seven heads).

    Rev 17:11—And the beast that was, and is not, even he is the eighth, and is of the seven, and goeth into perdition.

    Who are these Seven Kingdoms? History makes it plain who the first six are: Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Persia, Greece, and Rome. The seventh and final kingdom will be the kingdom of the anti-Christ. The beast's seven heads are seven kingdoms—seven world ruling powers. This is a full revelation of "The Times of The Gentiles"(Luke 21:24) from its beginning to its end.

    "…And Ten Horns…"

    Daniel 7:24—And the ten horns out of this kingdom are ten kings…
    Revelation 17:12—And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings…

    These are not a description of the previous kings, but are the ten ruling powers, which will rise up after the Roman Empire.

    This is in agreement with Nebuchadnezzar's dream, and Daniel's vision.

    Nebuchadnezzar

    Nebuchadnezzar saw a Great Image broken up into four sections and finally divided into ten toes.

    Babylon: the head
    Persia: the shoulders and breast
    Greece: the belly and thighs
    Rome: the thighs and legs and feet, then the ten toes; the ten horns of John's vision

    Daniel

    Daniel's vision was four wild beasts: lion, a bear, a leopard and an indescribable beast.

    Daniel 7:7—After this I saw in the night visions, and behold a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, and strong exceedingly; and it had great iron teeth: it devoured and brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with the feet of it: and it was diverse from all the beasts that were before it; and it had ten horns.
    "And it had ten horns"

    We can compare these to the ten toes of Nebuchadnezzar's dream and the ten horns of John's vision.

    However, we see something in Daniels vision that is not seen in either Nebuchadnezzar's dream or John's vision.

    "There came up among them another little horn."
    John sees:

    The beast itself being the "Little Horn" that comes up among the ten.

    However Daniel sees:

    There were three of the "First Horns plucked up by the roots."

    This would indicate that Daniel saw a more advanced stage than what John declares. John saw ten horns in the 17th chapter of Revelations. This indicates that he saw them before any of them were plucked up. Furthermore at this stage they have not received their Kingdom (Rev. 17:12).

    At the time that John was seeing that the anti-Christ "had not yet come" into power, was possibly just before or at, the beginning of the Tribulation. "Which received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast." The first part of the Tribulation hour.

    "And Upon His Horns Ten Crowns"

    They have now received their crowns and John sees the time of the ten kings reigning with the anti-Christ during the first part of the Tribulation.

    For after this John sees the seventh head wounded and resurrected.

    However John makes no more mention of the ten kings, but Daniel declares that three of them fall before the anti-Christ when he is resurrected from death.

    Section 6

    The Beast Out of the Earth

    Another Beast (13:11-18)

    Rev. 13:11—And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon.

    John said "I beheld another beast". In the exact same sense that John saw the first beast, he sees also a second beast. Whatever reasoning is used to understand the first beast must also be applied to the second beast. Both beasts (though they are different) are seen by John in the same setting.

    The secular empire that will overwhelm the world will not work alone. The extant of the first beast's success can largely be attributed to the presence and work of another beast.

    Description of the Second Beast

    Another

    This beast is addition to the first beast and rises up after the first beast. By great deception, he will advertise and promote the beast which came "before him" The relationship of these two beasts has often been compared to the relationship between Jesus and John the Baptist. This other beast will be a prominent promoter of the Anti-christ. This second beast will be instrumental in the deception of the Anti-christ.

    Beast

    Like the first, the second is a dangerous, wild and even venomous beast (empire). Standing on the shore, John saw a tremendously evil influence rise out of the earth. Despite having some characteristics of a lamb, there is no confusion here—this is an evil thing in rebellion against God and His order.

    Coming Out of the Earth

    Though a beast (empire) it's realm is of a different nature than the first beast. Key to understanding the second beast is noticing its source. This beast's origin can be compared with the first beast's. The first rises out of the sea of humanity and through a succession of rising and falling empires, but the second comes from out of earth.

    At a crucial and vulnerable time when all humanity is an unsettled and tempestuous sea crying for answers and clarity comes from out of the "earth" or "land" (stable, settled, authoritative) something whose appearance and whose voice validates the authority of the first beast. The second beast's message is "Have no fear, this is the right path!". Coming from a seemingly neutral and stable perspective and wielding supernatural ability, the world will conclude: "It must be ok, the voice of reason said it was.

    Two horns like a Lamb

    Horns are representative of a ruler.

    Daniel 7:24—And the ten horns out of this kingdom are ten kings

    The lamb-like horns indicate something of a spiritual nature. This second beast completes the depth of the world system of evil. The Dragon empowers the first beast with a secular empire and the second beast validates and completes this empire with its own spiritual or religious empire. Here is something that appears in part lamb-like but has the nature of a wild and venomous beast.

    Mt 23:27 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness. 28 Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity. 29 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because ye build the tombs of the prophets, and garnish the sepulchres of the righteous, 30 And say, If we had been in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets. 31 Wherefore ye be witnesses unto yourselves, that ye are the children of them which killed the prophets. 32 Fill ye up then the measure of your fathers. 33 Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell?

    Actions of the Second Beast

    Spoke as a Dragon

    The lamb-like horns and then the voice of a dragon indicate a real change in character and in policy. For example, laws that were promoted as protections for religious liberty today could be used to accomplish the opposite! The beginning will be applauded for the sake of the "greater good", but will not manifest in a utopia but in great terror.

    Slowly our government is becoming a dictatorship instead of a free democracy - a government by the people - of the people - for the people. We are headed to a New World Order. We failed as a people to occupy till He comes. We need to be preparing ourselves to get out.—Rev. James Reynolds, Sr.

    The Second Beast is actually the mouthpiece of the Dragon, so truly, the Dragon is speaking. Even now, the Dragon is already speaking. Herein is an warning to KNOW the voice of God! The only security in this age of deception is a vibrant relationship with Christ and familiarity with His voice. By knowing the TRUE you can spot the FALSE a long ways off.

    Exercised the Power of the First Beast

    vs. 12a—And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him,…

    The Greek word (poieo) for exerciseth is a very common word in the New Testament. It is used at least 519 times and in the book of Revelation is also translated as: do, bring forth, make, cause, commit, continue, fulfil, wrought, bare and work.

    The Greek word (exousia) for power means mastery, strength, right or authority to rule. To the second beast will be delegated the power of authority that belongs to the first beast. The first beast will have the both the ability and right to act as it does in the same sense a king acts sovereignly within his kingdom. The second beast will have the same ability and authority because it will be delegated to him by the first beast.

    vs. 12b—…and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed.

    Performs Great Miracles (Sets the Hook)

    Among other unexplainable and miraculous feats, he makes fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men. It is by the means of these miracles that he deceives those that dwell on the earth. (Galatians 1:8) This miracle power does come from God, but comes from the beast. A union or pact has been made between these beasts as we see the first beast delegating power and authority and the second beast returns loyalty and validation to the first beast.

    Teaches a Blasphemous Gospel (Reels them in.)

    The first beast is wounded, and then raised, and incarnated by the devil. The second beast teaches that the world should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live. He tells them that the miracle of resurrection now proves beyond all doubt that this is not just a good leader, but this beast is a god to be worshipped!

    Murders in the Name of God

    And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed.

    Mark & Number of Apostasy

    Revelation 13:16,17—And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: 17 And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.

    The Mark Of The Beast will be instituted by the false prophet.

    Section 6

    Song of the Hundred and Forty-Four Thousand

    Song of the Hundred and Forty-Four Thousand (Revelation 14:1-5)

    INTRODUCTION

    Revelation 13 concludes with a gloomy tale of a reign of darkness. In Chapter 13 we read of two terrible beasts and their great deception against those who would receive the Beast's mark. Chapter 14 opens with a glorious scene featuring firstly the Lamb and secondly 144,000 redeemed souls who were marked, but it was God the Father's name on their forehead! We find the details surrounding the Song of this 144,000 in Revelation 14:1-5.

    The Lamb on Mount Sion (vs. 1)

    And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion,

    The Lamb

    The "Lamb" appears in 27 verses throughout Revelation and His identity cannot be mistaken!

    Revelation 5:6—And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth.
    John 1:29—The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.

    Was Slain

    the Lamb that was slain unto the Lamb for ever and ever. the wrath of the Lamb: made them white in the blood of the Lamb. overcame him by the blood of the Lamb the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.

    Standing in the midst of the Throne

    Revelation 22:3—And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him:
    And the four beasts, and the elders (5:6)
    With the Sealed Book [WAS slain!] (5:8; 6:1)
    With Wrath (6:16)
    With an Innumerable Multitude worshipping before Him (7:9)
    Feeding and Leading the Innumerable Multitude (7:17)
    Overcoming those that Make War with Him (17:14)
    Marrying His Bride (19:7; 21:9)
    As the Temple (21:22)
    As the Light (21:23)
    Having a Book of Life (21:27)
    Having a Pure River of Water Proceeding out of His Throne (22:1)

    Standing on Mount Sion

    Psalm 87—His foundation is in the holy mountains. 2 The LORD loveth the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob. 3 Glorious things are spoken of thee, O city of God. Selah. 4 I will make mention of Rahab and Babylon to them that know me: behold Philistia, and Tyre, with Ethiopia; this man was born there. 5 And of Zion it shall be said, This and that man was born in her: and the highest himself shall establish her. 6 The LORD shall count, when he writeth up the people, that this man was born there. Selah. 7 As well the singers as the players on instruments shall be there: all my springs are in thee.

    Matthew 21:5 and John 12:15 say to Tell the daughter of Sion that her King is coming to her! Hebrews 12:22 says the Believer has not come to a smoking and burning physical mountain that cannot be touched but unto Mount Sion the City of the Living God.

    Hebrews 12:22—But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels,

    The word "zion" expresses ideas of strength and permanence such as a fortress, monument, or landmark.

    Zion is called both the city of David (1 Kings 8:1; 1 Chronicles 11:5; 2 Chronicles 5:2) and the city of God. The fortress was considered so impenetrable they mocked David saying he would not be able to take fortress even with blind and lamb sentries on guard. David captured the Jebusite fortress in 2 Samuel 5:7:

    Nevertheless David took the strong hold of Zion: the same is the city of David.

    Mount Zion is also the highest and southernmost mount of Jerusalem, rising about twenty-five hundred feet above the Mediterranean, but Scripture emphasizes Mount Zion more as a Spiritual concept and less as a physical place. Mount Zion is most importantly understood as the people of God.

    Psalm 48:2—Beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth, is mount Zion, on the sides of the north, the city of the great King. 12 Walk about Zion, and go round about her: tell the towers thereof. 13 Mark ye well her bulwarks, consider her palaces; that ye may tell it to the generation following. 14 For this God is our God for ever and ever: he will be our guide even unto death.

    The 144,000 (vs. 1-2)

    and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father's name written in their foreheads.

    2 And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps:

    A New Song (vs. 3-5)

    3 And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth. 4 These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb.5 And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God.
    Section 6

    Judgment Hour Preachers

    Judgment Hour Preachers (Revelation 14:6-7)

    Introduction

    vs.7—…the hour of his judgment is come…

    Christ as judge.

    The pre-eminent content of the Angel's message is, "The hour of His judement is come." The church goes (is raptured) and God's judgment follows. Not only does this message involve the present judgment that will come on the world in the midst of the seven years, but this message also relates to Christ's coming and judging of the world.

    The Truth Unbound

    Revelation chapter 14 takes place in the middle of the seven years of God's dealing with the nation of Israel. During the last phase of the judgment of God, the anti-christ will be in rule and will have destroyed or bound all apparent means of the Gospel being proclaimed. However, God has commissioned His angels to speak at this time!

    Upon Christ's entry into Jerusalem, fault was found with the loud proclaimations of praise given Christ as the Messiah and King. Christ answered:

    Luke 19:40—And he answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.

    The truth of God and His claims must be spoken. If men are brought to silence, other things must become vocal to testify for Jehovah. In a time when the anti-christ has successfully burried away in caves, mountains and the wilderness all human testimony for God, the heavens speak and the angels whom the anti-christ cannot touch become preachers in the darkest hour of judgment.

    This is in keeping with order of things already gone by. The angels testified just before Christ's first coming and they will again just before His second coming. The angels will testify and preach to all those that dwell on the earth.

    Their pulpit will be mid-air and all nations, tribes, tongues and peoples are their audience. Hell may slay, imprison and silence every human witness for God, but it cannot bind the truth! God's Word cannot be bound. It must be heard.

    2 Timothy 2:9—Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound.

    1 Peter 1:23—Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.

    First Message – "The Everlasting Gospel" (vs. 6-7)

    Revelation 14:6,7—And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, 7 Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.

    We find in verses 6 and 7 all the elements necessary for the preaching of the Gospel: God inspiring a preacher, a pulpit, a message, an audience and a delivery.

    The Nature of the Messenger

    This is definitely an angel (a Heavenly messenger) that is proclaiming the message John hears. The fact that an angel is preaching reveals that the present dispensation is now undergoing a change and is ready to pass away while another is beginning to take its place.

    Of old, angels were employed for the giving of the law, the heralding of Christ's coming and in the judgment time they are conspicuously everywhere taking part in the Divine administrations with regard to our world. But, in the dispensation under which we now are, the charge of preaching and witnessing for God and the declaring of His Word is the ministry of the Church. The preaching of the Gospel is in the hands of men.

    It is now the duty of the Church to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ to all who will believe. Angels are ministers to the heirs of salvation, but not the preachers of the Gospel of Christ to a world lost in sin. The disciples (Acts 5:19), Philip (Acts 8:26), Cornelius (Acts 10:3), and Paul at sea (Acts 27:3) all benefited from the ministry of angels which enabled them to fulfill their own responsibility in preaching of the Word of God. It is not presently the duty of angels to proclaim the Word of Truth, but is the Believer's present duty and privilege.

    The Position of his Pulpit

    The Angel's pulpit is positioned in the midst of heaven. In Hebrew are three words to describe three levels of "heaven" 1) Shameh means sky 2) Shachaq means firmament and 3) Galgal means heaven as in the place of God's throne. The Angel's pulpit is in the midst of the sky (See Strong's GREEK#3321 mesouranema). Men will hear the voice, but will not be able to silence it. They will try to block their ears and yet will still hear!

    This pulpit is also positioned in a time of judgment. The time and season makes the message all that more vital and its delivery so monumentally grave—hear ye him (Matthew 17:5).

    The Content of the Message

    The manner of its delivery will change, but there will be no change in the message. These angels have the everlasting Gospel to preach. It is the same Gospel the Apostles preached and not another beause there is no other Gospel.

    Paul warned the church already about anyone would preach another gospel.

    Galatians 1:8—But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.

    Notice his message:

    Psalm 29:2—Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name; worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.

    The Bible has much to say about judgment. Enoch (Jude 14-15), David (Psalm 1:5), Isaiah (30:18), Jeremiah (4:2), Ezekiel, Daniel (7:10), John the Baptist (Matthew 3:12), Jesus (Matthew 25:31-32), Paul (2 Thessalonians 1:7-8), Peter (II Peter 2:9) and John the Beloved (1 John 4:17) all preached judgment.

    We have neglected Him He matters most and truly Him alone who matters! While we gazed into His Heavens, drank of His waters and profited by His earth we failed to honor Him as God. Repent!

    The Auditors of the Message

    It would seem a strange thing to believe that every nation, kindred, tongue and people hear the angel in the same language and understand what he says. It would take a long time for this angel to go to every nation and kindred upon the face of the earth and speak in each tongue and dialect. However this sermon is presented in a short period of time. The same God that confounded the language of man at Babel will cause them to understand His messengers!

    Many testimonies of this particular miraculous power of God have been shared. To remember one account here, we don't have to look that far into history. Oral Roberts while he was preaching in India experienced God work this same miracle. While he preached in English, the people heard in their native languages.

    The Delivery of the Message

    Though it is the same Gospel being proclaimed…

    Revelation 14:7—Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.

    … yet its manner of delivery has changed. It is no longer the meek and entreating voice beseeching men to be reconciled to God, but a great thundering form the sky demanding of the nations to fear God. The reason given for the change in delivery is the fact:

    …the hour of His judgment is come…

    The church-period has given place to the judgment hour. When this is understood, the whole matter clears up. Mercy towards the poor infatuated world still lingers in the very hour of wrath. In the heat and height of His indignation, God still remembers mercy.

    Habakkuk 3:2—O LORD, I have heard thy speech, and was afraid: O LORD, revive thy work in the midst of the years, in the midst of the years make known; in wrath remember mercy.

    And, when there is no human voice left to speak it, an angel from heaven will speak mid-air proclaiming to the guilty world to turn to God.

    This is one of the very last calls of grace to an apostate world. The finality of the coming herald and the limited amount of time in which the people of God have to work, ought to spur us to redeem the time and preach the Everlasting Gospel!

    Section 6

    Babylon is Fallen

    Babylon is Fallen (Revelation 14:8)

    Revelation 14:8—And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.

    With the hour of judgment comes the work of judgment. The messengers of God are busy declaring the mind of God. The same cry is made both in chapter 14 and chapter 18.

    Revelation 14:8—…Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.

    Revelation 18:2,3—…Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, … 3 For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication,…

    This cry is declaring something in the future and yet the sense of the declaration is given as though it is already past. When God says it, future judgment is no less definite than history. Because He is sovereign, God calls things that aren't as though they were. The utter destruction of Babylon is certain.

    Why Babylon is Destroyed

    Emphasis Should be on the Reason for her Destruction

    Believers can and do differ over what Babylon literally is, but it is important to unite in emphasizing what the Scripture does say about it. "Babylon" will be destroyed because of her false teaching and murder of the saints.

    The name Babylon is the Greek form of the Hebrew name Babel. Throughout the Bible, Babylon is a symbol of the confusion caused by godlessness.

    The unveiling of the real enemy is found in what Babylon DOES and SAYS and not an inherent evil because of where it can be found on a map or because of historical sentiment towards it. The City of Rome or even the area near Baghdad, Iraq are only in danger of God's Wrath for the same reasons any people or nation will suffer judgment—if they set themselves as the enemies of God.

    The Reason

    Babylon is destroyed because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication. All who drank of her wine are guilty of spiritual adultery or idolatry.

    What is the wine that she made all nations to drink? False doctrines. As harlots would utilize love potions and intoxicating drinks so the City of Babylon has used and will use false doctrine to entrap.

    2 Thessalonians 2:10-12—And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: 12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

    An Illustration from history: In November 1978, 909 people drank cyanide-laced grape-flavored Flavor Aid at the instruction of religious leader and community organizer Jim Jones. Jim Jones attracted a large following to his Peoples Temple through sermons on tolerance, social responsibility and community. As the church grew, however, the sermons on equality and tolerance were replaced by demands for personal loyalty and obedience. (In 1973, Jones had been arrested for soliciting a man for sex—homosexuality.)

    Proverbs 23:32 is speaking of drunkenness and wine, but is appropriate as well for the devil's tactics of false doctrine:

    Proverbs 23:32—At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder.

    What Babylon is Destroyed

    Babylon is fallen

    A Place and Its Religious System

    There are some that make a great difference between the Mystery Babylon in Chapter 17 and the City of Babylon in Chapters 14 and 18, but both "Babylons" are two parts of the same thing: 1) a place 2) a system. The emphasis is put on the system in the 17th chapter and in 14:8 and the 18th Chapter the emphasis is on the city itself.

    Literally, the City of Babylon

    Not Just Rome

    Babylon, who is the Mother of Harlots (17:5) and the Habitation of Devils (18:2) is fallen. As Rome, Italy (or more specifically Vatican City) has been instrumental in both Christian martyrdom and the spread of false doctrine, this prophecy concerning the fall of the City of Babylon is generally believed to be a prediction concerning the city of Rome, Italy. This interpretation is seemingly influenced by the long standing prejudice of the Protestant church historically at war with the Roman Catholic church.

    The passage does not say Rome, but it does say Babylon. To be consistent in our method of interpretation of the this great Book, we will interpret Babylon literally as the city originally built by Nimrod in the land of Shinar and rising and falling throughout history, but being utterly destroyed in the Day of God's Wrath. Truly, Babylon is the birth place of the false doctrine woven throughout Roman Catholicism and not the other way around (i.e., Mother-Infant worship).

    The Roman Catholic church is not the only religious system guilty of spiritual adultery. God would not be justified in sparing one and punishing another unrepentant group for the identical criminal act. Babylon is not just Rome. It is bigger than that. It is an apostate religious world.

    Not Utterly Destroyed, Yet

    The City of Babylon was situated in the Land of Shinar on the Euphrates River, about 50 miles south of modern Baghdad, Iraq. Although Babylon was effectively eliminated as an empire when it was taken by the Medes and Persians after the 70 year Jewish exile, all prophecies concerning it have not yet been entirely fulfilled.

    The conquering empire of Persia did not destroy Babylon, but instead made it a royal city. Babylon appears importantly in history 500 years after Christ, for it was at Babylon that Jewish Academics compiled the Talmud (the basis of all codes of Jewish Law). Also Modern Day Bahgdad, Iraq stands near the original location of Babylon.

    Isaiah 13:6,19-22; Jeremiah 50:40; 51:64 and Revelation 14:8; 17; 18 give an image of an extreme and absolute destruction not yet seen. Much of this has been fulfilled, but not all will be fulfilled until the Day of the Lord (Isaiah 13:6).

    Isaiah 13:19,20—And Babylon, the glory of kingdoms, the beauty of the Chaldees' excellency, shall be as when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah. 20 It shall never be inhabited, neither shall it be dwelt in from generation to generation: neither shall the Arabian pitch tent there; neither shall the shepherds make their fold there.

    Jeremiah 51:64 And thou shalt say, Thus shall Babylon sink, and shall not rise from the evil that I will bring upon her: and they shall be weary. Thus far are the words of Jeremiah.

    Rebuilding Babylon

    Babylon will fall, but first it must be rebuilt. Before her utter destruction that will take place in the Day of the Lord's Wrath, the city of Babylon will first become instrumental in centralizing apostasy. What the Vatican is for just 1.2 Billion Roman Catholics, Babylon will arise for the greatest apostate ecumenical group the world has ever seen. Read Zechariah 5:5-11.

    Zechariah 5:10,11— Then said I to the angel that talked with me, Whither do these bear the ephah? 11 And he said unto me, To build it an house in the land of Shinar: and it shall be established, and set there upon her own base.

    How Babylon is Destroyed

    Babylon is destroyed by fire

    Revelation 18:18—And cried when they saw the smoke of her burning, saying, What city is like unto this great city!

    Revelation 18:21— And a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone, and cast it into the sea, saying, Thus with violence shall that great city Babylon be thrown down, and shall be found no more at all.

    Isaiah 13:19-20; Jeremiah 50:40.

    Babylon is Destroyed Quickly

    Revelation 18:10—…in one hour is thy judgment come.

    Section 6

    Rewards of Allegiance

    Rewards of Allegiance (Revelation 14:9-13)

    Introduction — Loyal to the Cause

    Allegiance speaks of loyalty or commitment to a group or cause. It reminds us of fidelity which is faithfulness to a person, cause, or belief, demonstrated by continuing loyalty and support. Often allegiance is spoken of in the context of citizenship.

    ILLUSTRATION: The American ‘Pledge of Allegiance’ was originally written for children for a one time use in 1892. The verse intended to commemorate Columbus Day originally read:

    I pledge allegiance to my Flag and the Republic for which is stands, one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

    To date, it has undergone two changes. The National Flag Conference of the American Legion replaced "my Flag" with ‘the Flag of the United States of America.’ in 1923. Secondly, in 1954 President Eisenhower signed a bill that added the words "Under God."

    Today, as humanity's allegiance to God is failing, it is strongly argued by many to remove the words "Under God" from the American Pledge. Whether or not these voices are successful, the testimony of "The Pledge of Allegiance" has been to date to strengthen, clear up and better our commitment. The line of demarcation between saint and sinner will become more and more pronounced as the end of all things approaches. The intensity of the day of God's wrath will solidify the allegiances of men. The wicked will do more wickedly, but some will sure up their allegiance to the Lord Jesus Christ and even seal their testimony with their lives.

    Joshua 24:15—And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.

    God's cause is Redemption and Restoration of all things lost through sin. The devil's cause is to destroy through sin.

    1 John 3:8—He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.

    Just as sure as you can back a loser and lose all your investment, so our spiritual allegiance comes with a certain reward or consequence. There is no fence in this contest for the hearts and souls of men. The athlete on the bench can celebrate because he was on the winning side, and even if a benched player on the losing side never saw a second of game-time, he, just like his other team mates, lost. Our allegiance marries us to the destiny of our cause. The devil's is a lost cause and Christ is always the victor! In practice, where does my allegiance lie? Whose cause do I faithfully promote? The end of THAT cause, will be my end.

    Allegiance to the Beast(vs. 9-11)

    Judgment on the followers of the Antichrist.

    The Reason for their Judgment

    Why would anyone worship the devil? In the two reasons given for their judgment, we also see the reasons for their allegiance. There are two groups who hold allegiance to the Beast.

    They that Worshipped the Beast and his Image

    There are those that give evidence of their fidelity to this system by worship. They honor and give service to the Beast because they are his "true believers". These are loyal to the Beast's cause because they believe in it.

    They that Received his Mark (forehead or hand)

    Not all who make up the masses in allegiance to the Beast are so because they are sold on his ideology. Many join themselves to the enemies of God without any formal or declared intention of hostility toward God. Many will conform out of necessity. Many will surrender to the Beast's influence because without his mark on their hand or forehead they cannot survive in society (Revelation 13:17).

    No matter the individual's reasons for aiding the devil in their life and in the world, they have chosen to side against Christ. If we are not with Christ doing what He wants, we are against him.

    Matthew 12:30—He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad.

    The Content of their Judgment

    The Wine of the Wrath of God.

    Revelation 14:10—…wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of His indignation…

    This judgment promised is an undiluted ("without mixture") concentration of punishment from God Almighty poured into the cup of God's anger. The offenders are then made to drink of that cup to the full.

    As wine is an intoxicating and overwhelming drink so it is used in Scripture to symbolize these effects (Psalm 60:3). There is the Wine of the Spirit which is an abundant joy in Holy Ghost, but there is also the Wine of Wrath or Violence which parallels the poisoned cup of certain criminals who were obliged to drink and which caused a speedy death.

    These will drink of the cup of God's indignation because they chose to drink of the cup of iniquity and spiritual fornication (Revelation 14:8). We are all born in sin and condemned to drink of God's wrath, but Christ died and drank that bitter cup so we would not have to (Luke 22:42).

    Hebrews 2:9—But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.

    Fire and Brimstone

    Tormented (torture, pain) with fire and brimstone (sulphur) as Sodom and Gomorrah and the rich man in hell (Luke 16:23).

    The Two Phases of their Judgment

    In the Presence of the Holy Angels and of the Lamb.

    Presence, face, in sight of, before.

    In the Lake of Fire
    Revelation 20:10—And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.

    The Duration of their Judgment

    The Smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever

    They have no rest day nor night

    Matthew 25:46; Mark 3:29; 2 Thessalonians 1:9

    Allegiance to the True Christ (vs. 12-13)

    During the day of God's Wrath not all will be found in confederacy with devil. They will not conform to the Beast's system for any reason at all. These are tribulation saints.

    The Saint's Description

    They Are Patient

    2 Thessalonians 1:4; Hebrews 6:15; James 5:11; Revelation 1:9

    They Keep His Commandments

    They not all profess allegiance, but their loyalty is evidenced by their obedience (John 14:15).

    They Have the Faith of Jesus

    The Saint's Blessedness

    Revelation 14:13b—…Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours;…

    The Saint's Rewards

    Revelation 14:13c—…and their works do follow them.

    Wood, hay and stubble versus gold, silver and precious stone. Their reward is based on their motive and their faithfulness in that allegiance.

    When missionary George Atley was killed by a band of hostile tribesmen, he was carrying a fully loaded, 10-chamber Winchester rifle. He had to choose whether to defend himself or or with his life defend the fragile mission work in that foreign land. When his body was later found in a stream, Nearby lay his rifle:all 10 chambers still loaded. He had made the supreme sacrifice, motivated by his burden for lost souls and his unswerving devotion to his Savior.

    Writing on Philippians 1:20 in The Bible Knowledge Commentary, Robert P. Lightner said,:

    Paul's concern was not what would happen to him but what testimony would be left for his Lord. Release would allow him to continue preaching Christ. But martyrdom would also advance the cause of Christ.
    Philippians 1:20—According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.
    Section 6

    Reaping and Pressing

    Reaping and Pressing (Revelation 14:14-20)

    Foundation for the Biblical Harvests

    Deuteronomy lists the major crops of the land of promise:

    Deuteronomy 8:8—A land of wheat, and barley, and vines, and fig trees, and pomegranates; a land of oil olive, and honey;

    Three Harvest Seasons

    In ancient Israel the primary harvest season extended from April to November. This harvest period might be subdivided into three seasons and three major crops: the spring grain harvest, the summer grape harvest and the autumn olive harvest. Let us highlight the two of the three major crops because they relate directly to our text in Revelation 14.

    Grain Harvest (Spring)

    Barley and wheat were the most important crops of the spring harvest. Barley and wheat were planted in the autumn and ripened in spring. Pentecost was celebrated near the end of the grain harvest with grain and loaf offerings (Leviticus 23:16-17). Newly harvested grain could not eaten until the offering of the firstfruits to God was first made. Pentecost was also called the "The Feast of Harvest" and "The Feast of Weeks".

    Exodus 23:16—And the feast of harvest, the firstfruits of thy labours, which thou hast sown in the field: and the feast of ingathering, which is in the end of the year, when thou hast gathered in thy labours out of the field.

    Grape Harvest (Summer)

    After Pentecost, most of the harvest was fruit: grapes, olives, dates, figs, pomegranates and numerous fruits, seeds and vegetables of lesser importance. Grapes were the first major crop to ripen. In a good year, when the grain yield was great, threshing and grape picking overlapped. The grape harvest was usually completed before the Feast of Tabernacles.

    Two Festival Seasons: Spring Feasts and Fall Feasts

    The three harvesting seasons were celebrated by two major festival seasons. The Spring Feasts of Passover, Firstfruits, Unleavened Bread, and Pentecost teach of the beginning of Christ's ministry and the Fall Feasts of Trumpets, Atonement, and Tabernacles represent the completion of His ministry.

    Consider these feasts in sequence:

    Spring Feasts (May/June)

    Passover—God passed over the Israelites when he killed the Egyptian firstborn.
    First Fruits—The first fruits are the first to come and are specially dedicated to God as a reminder that all good things come from God. It also was a pledge of a greater harvest to follow.
    Unleavened Bread—A Memorial of Israel's hasty exodus from Egypt.
    Pentecost—Pentecost (Shavuot) was originally a festival for expressing thankfulness to the Lord for the blessing of the harvest.

    Fall Feasts (September-October)

    These feasts, which became known as "The High Holy Days", celebrated in the 7th month marked the conclusion of the religious year.

    Trumpets (1st day of 7th month)—The feast that called people to prepare to stand before the judgment of God. Instead of celebratory it was spent in private and grave introspection—fasting and prayer.
    Atonement (10th day of 7th month)—The importance of the Day of Atonement is revealed by the fact that in the Talmud the name was shortened to simply "The Day." Celebrates God's Creation and God's new creation through atonement. A new beginning celebrated having been cleansed from sin. Day of Atonment represented the conclusion of the judgment that began ten days earlier.
    Tabernacles (15th day of 7th month)—The Feast of Tabernacles, also known as the Feast of Booths and Sukkot, is the seventh and last feast that the Lord commanded Israel to observe. God delivered Israel out of the land of Egypt and they were to live in a temporary tabernacle for eight days and look forward to the coming Messiah.
    Luke 12:37—Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching:…

    Reaping of the Harvest (vs. 14-16)

    Revelation 14:15—And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to him that sat on the cloud, Thrust in thy sickle, and reap: for the time is come for thee to reap; for the harvest of the earth is ripe.

    …Thrust in Thy Sickle…

    And I looked, and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud one sat like unto the Son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle.

    Execute the judgments which God has decreed. It is time for the judgment—no more delay or waiting. God has waited, but no more! The Lord coming in a white cloud speaks both of righteousness and judgment.

    Revelation 1:7—Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.

    Sitting on the cloud, He is in a position of rulership. Christ is seen here ruling in judgment. It is Christ for John says "like unto the Son of Man" (Revelation 1:13).

    On His Head is a Golden Crown (His church in glory and already awarded; I Cor. 6:1-3; Rev. 4:4; II Timothy 4:8) and in His hand is a sharp sickle. The sickle is a hooked knife and harvesting instrument used to pluck, gather, or cut.

    …For the Harvest of the Earth is Ripe…

    The cup of iniquity is full. Their sins are ripe or ready for judgment. Sin has ripened to the harvest.

    …And the Earth was Reaped…

    What plagues descend with the sharp sickle! What a cutting down and devastation.

    Pressing of the Vintage (vs. 17-20)

    After the grain harvest comes the grape harvest. The grapes are cut down and then placed in the wine press. This pressing will be performed by God himself in a place called Armageddon.

    The Gathering into the Great Wine Press of the Wrath of God

    Revelation 16:14-16—For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty. 15 Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame. 16 And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon.

    This is the harvest of the "earth" and judgment not on a local but global scale. All the nations will be gathered: the kings, leaders, armies, antichrist, false prophet, and the followers of the beast.

    Armageddon is a name occurring only once in the Bible and designating the place where the last great battle of the ages will take place. Armageddon is a Hebrew word, although it does not occur in the Old Testament. Its meaning is not exactly clear, but it is best taken to mean Mount Megiddo, since "Har" in Hebrew means mountain and "Mageddon" is the place-name of Megiddo.

    In Old Testament history Megiddo was a place of numerous decisive battles because of the broad plain that stood before it. Deborah and Barak defeated Sisera and his Canaanite army there (Judges 4-5), Gideon drove off the Midianites and Amalekites ( Judges 6 ), Saul and the army of Israel were defeated because of their failure to trust in God ( 1 Sam 31 ), and the Egyptian army under Pharaoh Neco killed Josiah, king of Judah ( 2 Kings 23:29 ).

    Some take John's designation literally, expecting the armies of the earth to gather against God in the endtimes below the remains of Old Testament Megiddo; others see in it a more figurative element. They point out that Megiddo was not really a mountain at all and that the battle will take place in the plain. Perhaps John designated it Mount Megiddo as a clue to its symbolic meaning, drawing together the historic place of conflict in Israel's history with the prophecies of Ezekiel that speak of the great end-time conflict taking place in the mountains of Israel ( Ezekiel 39:2,4, 17 ).

    The Treading in the Great Wine Press of the Wrath of God

    Grapes would be tossed into the winepress, and then a person or persons would stomp on the grapes with their feet until all the grape juice was pressed out. The Wine press is the wrath of God and these grapes are all the enemies of God.

    Isaiah 63:1-3—Who is this that cometh from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah? this that is glorious in his apparel, travelling in the greatness of his strength? I that speak in righteousness, mighty to save. 2 Wherefore art thou red in thine apparel, and thy garments like him that treadeth in the winefat? 3 I have trodden the winepress alone; and of the people there was none with me: for I will tread them in mine anger, and trample them in my fury; and their blood shall be sprinkled upon my garments, and I will stain all my raiment.
    Psalm 2:9—Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.
    Revelation 14:20—And the winepress was trodden without the city, and blood came out of the winepress, even unto the horse bridles, by the space of a thousand and six hundred furlongs.
    And the winepress was trodden without the city, eternally without the city of the heavenly Jerusalem, and far from the presence of God; eternally crushed and trodden down by his justice; eternally tormented in body and soul, without any hope either of living or dying! This is the miserable lot and portion of those who shall have despised the law of God, and died in impenitence. My God, pierce my heart with a salutary dread of thy judgments!—Adam Clarke

    A lake of blood to the size of 200 sqaure miles and as high as a horse's bridle! Such a slaughter is the end sin brings. Christ is victor over all His enemies. Revelation 19:13 tells us His vesture is "dipped with blood" and his name is "KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS".

    Conclusion

    As there were intertwined the harvesting and the festivals, so in the midst of the end of all things and God's judgment is both the God-ward and man-ward side of all things. God ultimately reaps the harvest and humanity is that harvest. There will be a harvest of the wicked as well as in in-gathering (as the crops are ready) of the Believers. God is allowing the tares and wheat to grow together, but soon there will be an ingathering and distinction made.

    Matthew 13:30—Let both grow together until the harvest:…

    The first-fruits is an in-gathering dedicated entirely to and for God.

    2 Timothy 2:19—Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.
    Section 6

    Development of Final Judgment

    Development of Final Judgment (Ch. 15)

    Revelation 15:5-8—And after that I looked, and, behold, the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony in heaven was opened: 6 And the seven angels came out of the temple, having the seven plagues, clothed in pure and white linen, and having their breasts girded with golden girdles. 7 And one of the four beasts gave unto the seven angels seven golden vials full of the wrath of God, who liveth for ever and ever. 8 And the temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God, and from his power; and no man was able to enter into the temple, till the seven plagues of the seven angels were fulfilled.

    Introduction "Another Sign" (15:1)

    Revelation 15:1—And I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvellous, seven angels having the seven last plagues; for in them is filled up the wrath of God.

    The Time of the Sign

    The harvest of the grain and the vintage in Chapter 14, brings us to the end of this present age. So, the events in chapter 15 occur before or during the harvest.

    The Message of the Sign

    John sees another sign in Heaven. This is a "sign" just as in Revelation 12 John saw two signs: 1) The Sun-clothed Woman and 2) The Great Red Dragon. It with relevance to these that he calls this "another sign".

    John uses the Greek word "semeion" in seven verses (12:1,3; 13:13,14; 15:1; 16:14; 19:20). "Semeion" means a symbol or miraculous wonder. The sign John sees here is a "symbolic miracle or wonder" Wonders and miracles are supernatural acts that prove a point or express a message. According to John 10:38, Jesus used miracles to communicate the message that He is God.

    John does in fact see something, but as a sign, what John sees should be interpreted figuratively. John sees a wonder and the wonder with its details communicate a message. The detailed wonder John sees is symbolic, but the death and devastation it speaks of is very literal. Signs of healing accompany the preaching of the Gospel (Mark 16:17; 1 Corinthians 14:22); however, signs of death attend the end of the world.

    The Characteristics of the Sign

    John characterizes what he sees not only as a "sign", but as "great and marvellous". Respectively, these words are:

    It is great because it involves so much more in range and intensity than any catastrophe that has ever been. It is marvellous because of the unparalleled character of what it foretells. What it describes is altogether extraordinary and on an astounding scale.

    Tribulation Victors (15:2-4)

    Before giving the particulars of this great and marvellous sign, John interjects with another vision of a higher and more gracious order, though it is still connected with the outpouring of the plagues. When the wicked are cut off, the righteous will see it. When the plagues fall upon the anti-christ and his hosts, these victors are on high singing, harping and praising God, giving glory to God and to the Lamb!

    Their Position — The Sea of Glass

    Revelation 15:2—…a sea of glass mingled with fire…

    This reminds of the sea of glass in Revelation 4:6 which was spread out before the throne. There is a difference between these two verses. In Chapter 4, the sea of glass was " like unto crystal" in clearness, but in Chapter 15, the sea of glass is mingled with fire. Also, in Chapter 4, the sea appeared to be part of the pavement of heaven, but in Chapter 15, it appears as a mighty reservoir of just judgements about to be poured upon the world. The crystal sea is sort of base on which the whole celestial city is established—purity, vastness, strength. The sea mingled with fire is a sea of just judgements.

    Their Victory

    Revelation 15:2—…them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God.

    These will have complete victory over the beast (The Person), his image (The Doctrines), his mark (The System), and the number of his name (The Society). Their reward for victory is a position on the sea of glass in heaven, having harps and singing praises to God.

    Their Song

    Their song is an exultant testimony of God as victor.

    The Song of Moses

    We find Moses' song in Exodus 15:1-11. It is a song celebrating deliverance from Egypt and the destruction of Pharaoh's host by God. The Book of Wisdom says that on this occasion in Exodus 15:

    God opened the mouth of the dumb, and made the tongues of infants eloquent

    As the Hebrews sang rejoicing by the Red Sea, so the Victorious Redeemed will sing by the Sea of Glass mingled with fire. God and therefore his saints will always have the last word!

    The Song of the Lamb

    The Song of the Lamb is redemption's song! ("I am Redeemed", "Thank God I am Free (saved, saved, saved)", "I've been to Calvary", etc. Here is recorded at least a part of their song.

    Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints. Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest.

    Seven Angels (vs. 5-6)

    Revelation 15:5—…the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony in heaven was opened:

    This tabernacle is in Heaven. The old tabernacle was merely a pattern of things in heaven (Hebrews 8:1-5; 9:23). The "temple of the tabernacle" references the inner tabernacle—the Most Holy Place or Holiest of All. It was in this tabernacle of testimony the Ark of the Testimony was kept. Therefore, these angels come from out of the Most Holy Place of Heaven—the throne of God was opened.

    The angels are clothed in pure and white linen which speaks of righteousness. More important than their personal righteousness is the righteousness and holiness of the ministry these angels were to perform. As the priests ministered in the tabernacle in linen, speaking of Christ's righteousness and the ministry that they were performing, so these angels have a ministry.

    They were girded with golden girdles. Gold speaks of Divinity and girdles speak of the truth.

    Revelation 1:13—And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle.

    Old Testament priest were girt with a girdle of a different material because it spoke of redemption, but the girdle here is of gold and the setting of Divine wrath. These priest-like angels have an administration of pouring out the vials of the wrath of God upon the earth.

    The Giving of the Vials (vs. 7,8)

    Revelation 15:7—And one of the four beasts gave unto the seven angels seven golden vials full of the wrath of God, who liveth for ever and ever. 8 And the temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God, and from his power; and no man was able to enter into the temple, till the seven plagues of the seven angels were fulfilled.

    Notice the mission of the Church in the judgement. One of the four beasts (a part of the church) gives the seven angels the seven golden vials full of the wrath of God.

    1 Corinthians 6:2-3—Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters? 3 Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life?

    Two other times scripture says the temple was filled with the smoke of the glory of God was in 1 Kings 8:10,11 and Isaiah 6:1-4. "No man was able to enter into the temple".

    Section 6

    Seven Last Plagues

    Seven Last Plagues (Ch. 16)

    Revelation 15:1—…in them is filled up the wrath of God.

    Is This Prophecy Already Fulfilled?

    Some interpreters try to parallel these vials with definitive and mostly historical calamities:

    1. FIRST: French Revolution in General
    2. SECOND: Naval Wars of the French Revolution
    3. THIRD: Battles of Napoleon in Italy
    4. FOURTH: Tyranny of Napoleon
    5. FIFTH: calamities which befell the city of Rome and the Pope in consequences of the French Revolution
    6. SIXTH: The wane of Turkish power and return of the Jews to Palestine along with the subtle influences of infidelity and popery.
    7. SEVENTH: Some further war with Romanism and disaster to the city of Rome.

    This line of interpretation leaves many difficult questions. Are France and Italy the whole earth? Has the tribulation hour even come yet? Are half a dozen naval battles the turning of the ocean into blood? Was Napoleon's artillery the sun scorch of blasphemers?

    What are these Vials?

    Revelation 16:1—And I heard a great voice out of the temple saying to the seven angels, Go your ways, and pour out the vials of the wrath of God upon the earth.

    "Vial" is the Greek word "phiale" meaning a broad shallow cup. Phiale is used 12 times in the N.T. and all occurrences can be found in the book of Revelation.

    The seven vials are full of the wrath of God. These seven vials are seven definitive and final judgments. (Revelation 15:1; 21:9 " seven last plagues")

    These plagues are not historical, but are the consummation of all plagues. The last will be the worst. The plagues of Egypt and other historical calamities are a mere rehearsal of that to come.

    In the following actions, God's wrath is completely expressed. It climaxes and is ended. Not only does John describe these as the "last" plagues, but they are also seven in number which expresses completeness. By the time these seven plagues are accomplished, God's wrath upon the earth will be completed or satisfied.

    The command to execute the plagues comes not just from the temple in general, but from out of the opened Holy of Holies in the temple of God in heaven (15:5; 16:1). In the Holy of Holies was kept the Ark which contained (Hebrews 9:3,4) a golden pot of manna, Aaron's rod that budded and two stone tablets of the Ten Commandments. It is because of the Ark and its contents that this place is called "the tabernacle of the testimony" They were evidences or witnesses to the fact that the presence God was among his people.

    As there are levels in the American Judicial system (District Court, Superior Court and Supreme Court) so, the fact that the Holiest place of the temple is involved speaks of an advanced judgment. this is it! There is no higher court or further level of appeal.

    What Events Lead Up to These Final Judgments?

    The order of these events are highlighted in the sequence we have found them in the scripture. As many of the events in chapters overlap others and some give further detail to events already discussed, this summary is not an attempt to create a chronological "timeline&quot. Following is a review of the truths as we discover them in reading through the Book of Revelation.

    Inspection, Remedy, Reward (Ch. 1-4)

    Christ made inspection and sent messages to His Church. Saints make corrections according to the Lord's warnings. Some hear and repent making themselves ready and others are spewed out of his mouth into 3 1/2 years of tribulation and awakening. Translated and Raptured believers are both seen around the throne of God.

    Seven Seals of a Book of Judgment Have Been Opened (Ch. 5 through 8:1)

    The Lamb of God was the only one worthy to open the Book and release its seals. These seals revealed calamities that are part of God's plan of judgment and not just the normal course of history. White, Red, Black and Pale Horses and their horseman revealed a moral war, Divine vengeance, famine, and a fourth part of the world dead. The Fifth Seal revealed the fact that the Tribulation Hour will involve many Christian martyrs. The Sixth Seal reveals fearful physical events—sun become black, moon became as blood, and stars fall. Finally, a silence falls over Heaven for one hour.

    Seven Trumpets Have Sounded (Ch. 8 through 11)

    Following the silence in Heaven, a Mystery Angel remembered the death of the martyrs. Seven other Angels then prepared to sound their trumpets. Not all at once, but one after another in increasing judgment their trumpets are sounded as the death of saints are a witness against the world. Since the servants of God now had been sealed (Ch. 7) the prohibition to not hurt the earth (7:3) is lifted.

    One, Two, Three, Four

    In the first four trumpets the blasts effected the material world: hail and fire mingled with blood devastate trees, grass and crops; a third part of the sea is made blood and a third both of its creatures and ships are destroyed; a third of the waters become poisonous (Wormwood); a third of the sun and moon and a third of the stars were darkened.

    Five, Six

    The door between the physical and spiritual worlds is opened: tormenting locusts are released from the bottomless pit; four bound fallen angels are released from the river Euphrates.

    A Cloud Robed Angel declared possession of the earth and its people, proclaimed victory and held a scroll that revealed further bitter experiences to follow. The temple was measured for the reinstatement of the Jew. Two witnesses miraculously ministered and then were killed once their work was complete.

    Seven: The Coming of the Lord

    Pre-Tribulation, Tribulation and Great Tribulation (Ch. 12 & 13)

    John saw (Ch. 12) the signs of the Sun-clothed Woman, the Man Child, the Great Red Dragon, the War in Heaven, And the War with the Remnant of the Seed of the Woman. The eventual Period of Great Tribulation and the Rule of the Antichrist (Ch. 13) set the stage for these Seven Vials.

    The Results of the 7 Vials

    ONE: The Followers of the Anti-christ, 16:2

    They will face noisome and grievous sores (Luke 16:20). These ulcers and stinging sores will be incurable.

    TWO: The Sea, vs. 3

    THREE: The Rivers, vs. 4-7

    FOUR: The Suns Heat Released, vs. 8-9

    FIVE: The Throne of the Beast, vs. 10-11

    SIX: The Gathering of the Nations (Armageddon, vs. 12-16)

    SEVEN: The Judgment of the Nations, vs. 17-21

    Section 6

    Fall of Mystery Babylon

    Judgment on the False Church (17)

    Chapter seventeen tells about the judgment of the False Church who is called the "Mother of Harlots" because of her spiritual adultery. Harlotry is symbolic of false worship or the worship of idols (idolatry).

    This woman will be a one-world church and as is all false religion will be attended with lewdness. Religion has never been so rich, so powerful, united and so unclean. Before her judgment, she is in a moral and spiritual wilderness, but advanced in achievements of science, materialism and humanistic philosophy.

    The Time of the Judgment

    Revelation 17:3—So he carried me away in the spirit… Revelation 1:10—I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day…

    The False Church will suffer this prophesied judgment in the End-Time. She is an End-Time False Church and will face her judgment in the time of the end.

    The Place of the Judgment

    Revelation 17:3—…into the wilderness…

    In a general sense, the wilderness is a place of testing and more specific to Revelation it is symbolic of the tribulation period that takes place just before the Lord returns (12:14). This false church will be in control for most of the tribulation hour.

    The Receiver of the Judgment

    Revelation 17:3—…and I saw a woman…

    In relation to Christ, the Scripture refers to the church as a woman (1 Corinthians 11:3; 2 Corinthians 11:2; Ephesians 5:24-32). God illustrated His desired relationship with His people with the relationship of a husband and wife.

    In Revelation 12, we read about the True Church ("The Sun-Clothed Woman"). Now, in Chapter 17, we read about the judgment on the False Church.

    The Outstanding Details of the Judgment

    She is a Mother (vs.5)

    As she is a mother, she is producing something. The True Church produced a singular and unified Man Child (12:5), as well as, truth and strength. The False Church produces a divided and plurality of harlots (17:5), as well as, error and weakness.

    She is Sitting (vs. 1,3,9)

    Sitting is a position of control or rule. As a king or judge sits in their authority. She is a dictator over the people and nations (vs. 1,15 " many waters") and the beast (vs. 1,3,8,11-13,16 this beast is the anti-christ).

    She sits with overwhelming control of the one-world government that is evil and sinful. The False Church rides in control on the scarlet colored beast. She is therefore in control of the nations.

    She is Clothed (vs. 4)

    The Bride of Christ is dressed in fine linen clean and white which is the righteousness of saints (Revelation 19:8). This woman is dressed in the attire of a harlot.

    She is arrayed in purple which is the color of royalty. This woman is not truly royal, but is a hypocrite.

    Not only is color of the beast scarlet, but she is also clothed in scarlet. Scarlet is the color of sin.

    Isaiah 1:18—…though your sins be as scarlet…

    She revels in all that is an abomination to God. Read Proverbs 6:16-19; Deuteronomy 22:5.

    She is decked with gold and precious stones and pearls.

    There are two Scriptural aspects to Gold. In the positive, gold speaks of divinity and the perfect nature of God. In the negative, gold is the best of the riches of the world. She is not godly or divine, but she is rich with the riches of the world.

    All her ornaments are form the world. Her inspiration comes form the pagan and godless cultures of the world.

    She Has a Cup in Her Hand (vs. 4)

    This not the cup of the Lord, but is the cup of devils. This golden cup is filled with the abominations and filthiness of her fornication. She is not sharing the Gospel, but it is "another gospel".

    vs. 2—With whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication.

    She is very influential. She has corrupted many others with the teaching of her false religion (1 Timothy 4:1).

    She has a Name (vs. 5)

    MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.

    She is Drunk (vs. 6)

    She is drunk with precious blood of martyrs who are the saints of the Lord Jesus Christ. This was all a great (megas) mystery (admiration) to John.

    She has an End (vs. 16)

    There is a two-foldness to her judgment. Her fall is mentioned twice (17:16 and 18:21).

    She is hated and overthrown. At first the beast carries the woman (vs. 3) and the torn horns hate her and make her desolate and naked and then burn her.

    She had her time of rule and it glittered like gold, but "pay day" always comes for the enemies of God. With every blasphemous act or false doctrine she added to the cup of her own judgment.

    Revelation 17:16—…burn her with fire.

    Section 6

    Fall of Religious Babylon

    Judgment on the False Church (17)

    Chapter seventeen tells about the judgment of the False Church who is called the "Mother of Harlots" because of her spiritual adultery. Harlotry is symbolic of false worship or the worship of idols (idolatry).

    This woman will be a one-world church and as is all false religion will be attended with lewdness. Region has never been so rich, so powerful, united and so unclean.

    ##The Time of the Judgment

    Revelation 17:3—So he carried me away in the spirit… Revelation 1:10—I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day…

    The False Church will suffer this prophesied judgment in the End-Time. She is an End-Time False Church and will face her judgment in the time of the end.

    ##The Place of the Judgment

    Revelation 17:3—…into the wilderness…

    In a general sense, the wilderness is a place of testing and more specific to Revelation it is symbolic of the tribulation period that takes place just before the Lord returns (12:14). This false church will be in control for most of the tribulation hour.

    ##The Receiver of the Judgment

    Revelation 17:3—…and I saw a woman…

    In relation to Christ, the Scripture refers to the church as a woman (1 Corinthians 11:3; 2 Corinthians 11:2; Ephesians 5:24-32). God illustrated His desired relationship with His people with the relationship of a husband and wife.

    In Revelation 12, we read about the True Church ("The Sun-Clothed Woman"). Now, in Chapter 17, we read about the judgment on the False Church.

    ##The Outstanding Details of the Judgment

    ###She is a Mother (vs.5)

    As she is a mother, she is producing something. The True Church produced a singular and unified Man Child (12:5), as well as, truth and strength. The False Church produces a divided and plurality of harlots (17:5), as well as, error and weakness.

    ###She is Sitting (vs. 1,3,9)

    Sitting is a position of control or rule. As a king or judge sits in their authority. She is a dictator over the people and nations (vs. 1,15 " many waters") and the beast (vs. 1,3,8,11-13,16 this beast is the anti-christ).

    She sits with overwhelming control of the one-world government that is evil and sinful. The False Church rides in control on the scarlet colored beast. She is therefore in control of the nations.

    ###She is Clothed (vs. 4)

    The Bride of Christ is dressed in fine linen clean and white which is the righteousness of saints (Revelation 19:8). This woman is dressed in the attire of a harlot.

    ####She is arrayed in purple which is the color of royalty. This woman is not truly royal, but is a hypocrite.

    ####Not only is color of the beast scarlet, but she is also clothed in scarlet. Scarlet is the color of sin.

    Isaiah 1:18—…though your sins be as scarlet…

    She revels in all that is an abomination to God. Read Proverbs 6:16-19; Deuteronomy 22:5.

    ####She is decked with gold and precious stones and pearls.

    There are two Scriptural aspects to Gold. In the positive, gold speaks of divinity and the perfect nature of God. In the negative, gold is the best of the riches of the world. She is not godly or divine, but she is rich with the riches of the world.

    All her ornaments are form the world. Her inspiration comes form the pagan and godless cultures of the world.

    ###She Has a Cup in Her Hand (vs. 4)

    This not the cup of the Lord, but is the cup of devils. This golden cup is filled with the abominations and filthiness of her fornication. She is not sharing the Gospel, but it is "another gospel".

    vs. 2—With whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication.

    She is very influential. She has corrupted many others with the teaching of her false religion (1 Timothy 4:1).

    ###She has a Name (vs. 5)

    MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.

    ###She is Drunk (vs. 6)

    She is drunk with precious blood of martyrs who are the saints of the Lord Jesus Christ. This was all a great (megas) mystery (admiration) to John.

    ###She has an End (vs. 16)

    There is a two-foldness to her judgment. Her fall is mentioned twice (17:16 and 18:21).

    She is hated and overthrown. At first the beast carries the woman (vs. 3) and the torn horns hate her and make her desolate and naked and then burn her.

    She had her time of rule and it glittered like gold, but "pay day" always comes for the enemies of God. With every blasphemous act or false doctrine she added to the cup of her own judgment.

    Revelation 17:16—…burn her with fire.

    Revelation 16:19 and 14:8 have already declared Babylon’s fall. In Revelation 17 and 18, the fall of Babylon is carefully detailed.

    Revelation 14:8 — And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.

    Revelation 16:19 — And the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell: and great Babylon came in remembrance before God, to give unto her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of his wrath.

    Fall of Religious Babylon [17]

    Revelation 17 tells about the judgment of the False Church who is called the "Mother of Harlots" because of her spiritual adultery. Harlotry is symbolic of false worship or the worship of idols (idolatry).

    This woman represents a one-world church that will be attended with lewdness. Religion has never been so rich, so powerful, united and so unclean. Before her judgment, she is in a moral and spiritual wilderness, but advanced in achievements of science, materialism and humanistic philosophy.

    1. The Time of the Judgment

    Revelation 17:3—So he carried me away in the spirit…

    Revelation 1:10—I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day…

    The False Church will suffer this prophesied judgment in the End-Time. She is an End-Time False Church and will face her judgment in the time of the end.

    2. The Place of the Judgment

    Revelation 17:3—…into the wilderness…

    In a general sense, the wilderness is a place of testing and more specific to Revelation it is symbolic of the tribulation period that takes place just before the Lord returns (12:14). This false church will be in control for most of the tribulation hour.

    3. The Receiver of the Judgment

    Revelation 17:3—…and I saw a woman…

    In relation to Christ, the Scripture refers to the church as a woman (1 Corinthians 11:3; 2 Corinthians 11:2; Ephesians 5:24-32). God illustrated His desired relationship with His people with the relationship of a husband and wife.

    In Revelation 12, we read about the True Church (<a href="/courses/revelation/the-sun-clothed-woman_73">"The Sun-Clothed Woman"). Now, in Chapter 17, we read about the judgment on the False Church.

    4. The Outstanding Details of the Judgment

    a. She is a Mother (vs.5)

    As she is a mother, she is producing something. The True Church produced a singular and unified Man Child (12:5), as well as, truth and strength. The False Church produces a divided and plurality of harlots (17:5), as well as, error and weakness.

    b. She is Sitting (vs. 1,3,9)

    Sitting is a position of control or rule. As a king or judge sits in their authority. She is a dictator over the people and nations (vs. 1,15 " many waters") and the beast (vs. 1,3,8,11-13,16 this beast is the anti-christ).

    She sits with overwhelming control of the one-world government that is evil and sinful. The False Church rides in control on the scarlet colored beast. She is therefore in control of the nations.

    c. She is Clothed (vs. 4)

    The Bride of Christ is dressed in fine linen clean and white which is the righteousness of saints (Revelation 19:8). This woman is dressed in the attire of a harlot.

    Isaiah 1:18—…though your sins be as scarlet…

    She revels in all that is an abomination to God. Read Proverbs 6:16-19; Deuteronomy 22:5.

    There are two Scriptural aspects to Gold. In the positive, gold speaks of divinity and the perfect nature of God. In the negative, gold is the best of the riches of the world. She is not godly or divine, but she is rich with the riches of the world.

    All her ornaments are form the world. Her inspiration comes form the pagan and godless cultures of the world.

    d. She Has a Cup in Her Hand (vs. 4)

    This not the cup of the Lord, but is the cup of devils. This golden cup is filled with the abominations and filthiness of her fornication. She is not sharing the Gospel, but it is "another gospel".

    vs. 2—With whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication.

    She is very influential. She has corrupted many others with the teaching of her false religion (1 Timothy 4:1).

    e. She has a Name (vs. 5)

    MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.

    f. She is Drunk (vs. 6)

    She is drunk with precious blood of martyrs who are the saints of the Lord Jesus Christ. This was all a great (megas) mystery (admiration) to John.

    g. She has an End (vs. 16)

    There is a two-foldness to her judgment. Her fall is mentioned twice (17:16 and 18:21).

    She is hated and overthrown. At first the beast carries the woman (vs. 3) and the torn horns hate her and make her desolate and naked and then burn her.

    She had her time of rule and it glittered like gold, but "pay day" always comes for the enemies of God. With every blasphemous act or false doctrine she added to the cup of her own judgment.

    Revelation 17:16—…burn her with fire.

    Section 6

    Those that are with the Lamb

    Those that are with the Lamb (17:14)

    In the midst of judgment within a spiritual wilderness, we see a glorious promise.

    Revelation 17:14 — These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.

    We see the action and the resulting end of the False church, Antichrist and the powers that rule with him. They make war with the Lamb and the Lamb will overcome them! For He is Lord of lords and King of kings. There are those who set themselves in opposition to the Great King, but in this verse we also see some are "with Him". Herein is a promise to some, that they can overcome WITH the Lamb. These are the Called, Chosen and Faithful of God. These are the army of the Lamb.

    Called

    Definition of "called": GREEK - kletos - adjective - invited, appointed

    Romans 1:7—To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.

    Romans 8:28—And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

    Chosen

    Definition of "chosen": GREEK - eklektos - adjective - chosen out, select, favorite.

    Faithful

    Definition of "faithful": GREEK - pistos - verb - trustworthy, true, reliable, loyal, believe, faith.

    Conclusion

    These are not separate groups (Called, chosen, faithful), but is a description of those who are WITH and overcome WITH the Lamb.

    2 Timothy 2:12 — If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us:

    Section 6

    Fall of Political and Commercial Babylon

    Fall of Political and Commercial Babylon (Ch. 18)

    The Uniting of Babylon the Great

    Babylon is an unholy union of the religious, commercial and political systems of the world. The system will be judged in two stages (17:16 and 18:21): Religious (Ch. 17) and Commercial/Political (Ch. 18).

    In the judgment upon the religious part of the system (Ch. 17), she is put down and taken over by the Antichrist. She will for a season "rule" over the kings of the earth (17:3,18) — after her judgment, we see who is really controlling who. These kings will turn on her being inspired by God [as a sovereign act of judgment]. Those in whom she trusted so much and with whom had become mutually enriched, will rejoice to finally be rid of her.

    Revelation 17:3 — So he carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness: and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet coloured beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns.

    Revelation 17:13, 16, 17 — 13 These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast. 16 And the ten horns which thou sawest upon the beast, these shall hate the whore, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire. 17 For God hath put in their hearts to fulfil his will, and to agree, and give their kingdom unto the beast, until the words of God shall be fulfilled.

    This will unite religion and commerce, making the State (Antichrist) supreme. Babylon the Great, in final revelation, is a city ruled over by the Antichrist as both the religious and political head. She becomes abundantly rich in carnal wealth for her aid to the devil but she will ultimately suffer greatly for her supporting role in the Antichrist's efforts.

    Placing Babylon

    Babylon is a place as well as a system. Presently, there is no city "Babylon". If the ancient city of "Babylon" (50 miles south of modern Iraq) is to be included in this judgment, Babylon as a city must first be rebuilt.

    Babylon is mentioned 287 times in the Scriptures, more than any other city except Jerusalem.

    The more important detail concerning Babylon is not where on a map can we place her, but what is she guilty of that would incur such severe action from God. Babylon in Chapters 17 and 18, is at the very least symbolic of both a religious system (ch. 17) and a commercial system (ch. 18) that made themselves enemies of God.

    The concept of Babylon is greater than Revelation 17-18 and the Antichrist’s reign. Babylon was present before and in John’s day (typified by Rome), in our day, and throughout history, as the world system. But under the Antichrist, Babylon (in both its religious and commercial aspects) will have influence over the earth as never before

    Normalization of Babylon

    Babylon will be a "one world" system that by nature of its pervasiveness will effect everything. Despite her extremes, excesses, perversion and corruption, she will become "normalized' in a reversed sense. Instead of bringing her to a standard of "normal", normal will be redefined to be in harmony with her standards. Any rebellion against the system and her corruption, will be viewed as "crimes against humanity".

    For example:

    Though for a season Babylon will be the standard of the world, she will be judged for her corruption.

    The Announcement of her Judgment (vs. 1-8)

    The Announcing Angel, vs. 1-3

    A glorious messenger appears from out of heaven.

    He Comes with Great Authority

    All power and authority truly belongs to God! (Daniel 7:14; John 5:26-27; 1 Corinthians 15:24)

    John 5:25—Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live.

    The Earth is Lighted with His Glory

    This is never said describing created beings, but is often said of God! (Psalm 72:18,19; Isaiah 6:1-3; Ezekiel 43:2; Revelation 1:13-16; 21:23)

    He Cries Mightily with a Strong Voice

    The Calling Out of God's People, vs. 4-8

    Revelation 18:4—And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.

    Before the mighty word goes into effect, a voice from heaven (probably, the Father) says come out of her, my people. His people are warned to avoid getting caught up in the marketing of the evil system. (An effective advertisement is one that convinces you that you need something.)

    Satans really merchandise is the souls of men. He takes advantage of and seeks to rob a man of his soul. What do we want? Faith or Feeling. Bible or Psychology. (1 Corinthians 13:45) The devil employs all manner of means in this market: business, religion, drugs, sex, gossip, lustful and rebellious music,

    The Reaction to Her Judgment (vs. 9-20)

    The fall of Babylon is one of the most marvelous events of all time (i.e., the flood, Sodom and Gomorrah). Consider how this would effect the whole world and even how it would effect you. Her fall is a great disappointment to many as just at her height of success she is destroyed. All the schemes of human progress are left disappointed and many will lament. , but there are mixed reactions to her judgment for two worlds are involved. There some who will rejoice while others are crying.

    Revelation 18:9,20—And the kings of the earth, who have committed fornication and lived deliciously with her, shall bewail her, and lament for her, when they shall see the smoke of her burning, 20 Rejoice over her, thou heaven, and ye holy apostles and prophets; for God hath avenged you on her.

    Lamentation

    Lamenting of Royalty, vs. 9-10

    Lamenting of Merchants, vs. 11-16

    Lamenting of Shipmasters, vs. 17-19

    But while these lament, a grand jubilee fills the sky!

    Rejoicing

    The Heavenly Beings Rejoice

    The Apostles Rejoice

    The Prophets Rejoice

    After her Fall (vs. 21-24)

    Jer 51:63 And it shall be, when thou hast made an end of reading this book, that thou shalt bind a stone to it, and cast it into the midst of Euphrates: 64 And thou shalt say, Thus shall Babylon sink, and shall not rise from the evil that I will bring upon her: and they shall be weary. Thus far are the words of Jeremiah.

    Re 18:21 And a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone, and cast it into the sea, saying, Thus with violence shall that great city Babylon be thrown down, and shall be found no more at all. 22 And the voice of harpers, and musicians, and of pipers, and trumpeters, shall be heard no more at all in thee; and no craftsman, of whatsoever craft he be, shall be found any more in thee; and the sound of a millstone shall be heard no more at all in thee; 23 And the light of a candle shall shine no more at all in thee; and the voice of the bridegroom and of the bride shall be heard no more at all in thee: for thy merchants were the great men of the earth; for by thy sorceries were all nations deceived. 24 And in her was found the blood of prophets, and of saints, and of all that were slain upon the earth.

    Section 7

    Section 7

    Three Revelations of Who God Is

    Three Revelations of Who God Is

    TEXT: Revelation 19

    Introduction

    That I May Know Him

    Philippians 3:10—That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;

    From behind the veil of the human condition, it is difficult to get a clear picture of God. We describe with limited vocabulary and understand him through limited experiences.

    Man often weighs in one hand, what the Bible says about God and then in the other hand weighs what we have experienced in this life. This method of "getting to know God" is faulty at best and has resulted in multitudes of skewed impressions of Who God is and what He is like.

    It is not God's fault humanity does not truly KNOW Him. It is the fault of our limited perspective. It will not be until "by-and-by" that even the most faithful of God's people will see and understand Him in His fullness. But, until then, it is a journey of faith that brings us closer and closer to God.

    Will I believe God is Who He says He is? Will I take Him at His Word? Will I pattern my life on the foundation of a faith that says, "God is True and Faithful?"

    Today that faith is developed and tested, but one day it will be rewarded!

    Blinded very young, hymn-writer Francis Jane Crosby (1820-1915) began writing poetry as young girl. At the age of eight she wrote these words:

    Oh, what a happy soul am I! Although I cannot see,
    I am resolved that in this world, contented I will be.
    How many blessings I enjoy that other people don't;
    To weep and sigh because I am blind, I cannot, and I won't.

    Once a well-intentioned Scottish minister remarked to her: "I think it is a great pity that the master, when He showed so many gifts upon you, did not give you sight." She responded, "Do you know that if at birth I had been able to make one petition to my Creator, it would have been that I should be born blind?" "Why?" asked the surprised minister. "Because, when I get to heaven, the first face that shall ever gladden my sight will be that of my Savior."

    In her hymn "My Savior First of All", she wrote…

    When my lifework is ended and I cross the swelling tide, When the bright and glorious morning I shall see; I shall know my Redeemer when I reach the other side, And His smile will be the first to welcome me.
    I shall know Him, I shall know Him, And redeemed by His side I shall stand; I shall know Him, I shall know Him By the print of the nails in His hand.

    2 Timothy 4:7-8—I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. [manifestation, (especially) the second coming of Christ]

    The Preface of Revelation 19

    Revelation 19:1mdash;And after these things…

    We are at the end of the third and final division of the book of Revelation. In 19:1, "after these things" is the same phrase in 1:19 "things which shall be hereafter". In review, Revelation has three main divisions:

    3 Main Divisions

    The Things Seen (Ch.1)

    The Things Which Are (Ch. 2-3)

    The Things Which Shall be Hereafter (Ch. 4-22)

    Revelation 1:19 Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter;

    God is infinite and our understanding of him is constantly developing all the while He never changes. In Revelation chapter 19 we are given three different scenes that illuminate different aspects of God's nature. Herein are three revelations of Who God is:

    Three Revelations of Who God Is

    The Lord Our God Omnipotent who Reigns (vs. 1-6)

    The Bridegroom Who Will be Wed (vs. 7-10)

    The Lion Who will Return in Judgment (vs. 11-21)

    ## The Lord Our God Omnipotent who Reigns (vs. 1-6)

    He Gave Us a Voice for Singing

    I heard a great voice of much people in heaven

    And the four and twenty elders and the four beasts fell down and worshipped God that sat on the throne

    Revelation 19:4 is the last reference in the Bible to the twenty-four elders and the four living creatures (by those titles).

    v.6 the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings,

    He is the Words of the Song

    …saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power, unto the Lord our God:

    Alleluia/Hallelujah

    The Hebrew word "halal" [STRONG's 01984] in relation to God means to be clear of sound or color or to shine. Therefore, it means to make a show, to boast or to celebrate. 'Halal' can be found in 140 verses in the O.T.

    "Halal" [Hallelujah] is common in the Psalms where it is mostly translated "Praise Ye the LORD" (Psalm 105:45; 106:1; 106:48; 111:1; 112:1; 113:1; 146:1; 148:1; 149:1; 150:1).

    Psalm 150:1—Praise ye the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary: praise him in the firmament of his power.

    Interestingly, in the N.T., Alleluia/Hallelujah can only be found here in Revelation 19. The Greek word "allelouia" is imperative just as the Hebrew word "halal". Alleluia is a command to Praise the Lord (Jah)! It is an adoring exclamation—HALLELUJAH!

    Salvation

    Glory

    Honour

    Power

    He is the Reason Why We Sing

    His Judgments are True

    2 For true and righteous are his judgments: for he hath judged the great whore, which did corrupt the earth with her fornication,

    He Keeps His Promises

    and hath avenged the blood of his servants at her hand. 3 And again they said, Alleluia. And her smoke rose up for ever and ever.

    He Reigns

    saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.

    ##The Bridegroom Who Will be Wed (vs. 7-10)

    The Lamb will be Wed

    7 Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. 8 And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints. 9 And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God. 10 And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.

    ## The Lion Who will Return in Judgment (vs. 11-21) > 11 And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.

    The Mystery of His Name

    12 His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself.

    (to his enemies: you don't even know me! (contrast on the cross, the sign written over His head! Mt 27:29 And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews! Mt 27:37 And set up over his head his accusation written, THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS.)

    13 And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. 14 And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. 15 And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. 16 And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.

    An Invitation to another 'supper' is given: 17 And I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the fowls that fly in the midst of heaven, Come and gather yourselves together unto the supper of the great God; 18 That ye may eat the flesh of kings, and the flesh of captains, and the flesh of mighty men, and the flesh of horses, and of them that sit on them, and the flesh of all men, both free and bond, both small and great.

    19 And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him that sat on the horse, and against his army. 20 And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone. 21 And the remnant were slain with the sword of him that sat upon the horse, which sword proceeded out of his mouth: and all the fowls were filled with their flesh.

    ##Conclusion

    The Bridegroom Who Will be Wed (vs. 7-10)

    Revelation 19:7-10

    A Joyous Marriage and Marriage Supper

    The Marriage Supper

    Revelation 19:7—Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come,…

    Now that the harlot has fallen, the faithful woman comes to her rightful honors. The bethrothed, now becomes a bride. The time of her marriage has come, and grand banquet that follows, will begin.

    Revelation 19:9—And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.

    The Wedding

    There is no question who the Bridegroom is, but who is the Bride?

    Some say, that ALL who are born again make up the Bride. Let's consider Psalm 45 in light of this. Here is a brief outline of Psalm 45:8,9,14.

    vs. 8 First, the King Comes Forth Out of the Ivory Palaces (Alone) vs. 9 Second, the King with the Queen vs. 14 Third, we see the virgins who are the companions, associates or bosom friends of the Queen

    These virgins do not go with the Queen when she is taken, but they follow after her.

    Psalm 45:14—She shall be brought unto the king in raiment of needlework: the virgins her companions that follow her shall be brought unto thee

    We also see this truth in the parable of the ten virgins of Matthew 25. Implied in this parable is that not all those who finally get to heaven are of that class which makes up the Bride.

    To understand who the Bride is, we need to observe the different classes of persons given in the text.

    1. The Voice of the one who says "Let us be glad", vs. 10
    2. Those who are to rejoice with him ("us") vs. 9

    These are considered blessed to a) witness the marriage and to b) participate in the banquet.

    The Bride is not merely going to witness a marriage or eat a celebratory feast, but she is one of the two reasons for the grand day! She is the Bridegroom's heart's desire and the one He has chosen to unite with as one. (Amos 3:3; 2 Corinthians 6:14)

    The Preparation of the Lamb's Wife

    Revelation 19:7,8—…and his wife hath made herself ready. 8 And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.

    The Making of the Bride

    How does this bride so capture the eye and heart of the groom? What has led her to this grand wedding day? Three things catch our notice in her preparation:

    Her Self Activity - "made herself read"

    The Bridegroom does not prepare her directly, but she will ready herself by applying what He has provided.

    The Action of Bestowing of the Gifts of Grace- "to her was granted"
    The Action of Faith and Obedience - "arrayed in fine linen"

    The garments reveal the nature of preparation. The outstanding characteristics of her garments are: clean (free from impurity) and white (shining and brilliant). The fine lines she wears is the "righteous acts" or "equitable deeds" of the saints.

    There is righteousness that is imputed by faith which is the free gift of God in Christ. There is also righteousness that is imparted which is the fruit or works of faith. Consider Philippians 3:8-14. In Psalm 45:13-14, her clothing is of wrought gold (divine righteousness) and her raiment is also of needlework (righteous acts or works of faith).

    The Marks of the Bride

    She Will have a Lamb's Nature
    She Will be Meek and Lowly
    Humble
    Obedient
    Overcomer

    The Marriage of the Lamb

    What is the marriage of the Lamb? John did not see it, but he did hear the heavens rejoicing!

    We can assume a few things about this "wedding" based on the terms used. Any marriage being a union, the Bride will be united with the Bridegroom. Being with Him, she will reign with him and share with Him in all His glorious inheritance.

    We are not told what the ceremony will hold. It is still a grand and glorious mystery!

    John's Response

    Revelation 19:10—And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.

    The Lion Who Will Return in Judgment

    Review:

    # Three Revelations of Who God Is TEXT: Revelation 19

    Introduction - You can Know Who God Is and What He is Like (Phil. 3:10)

    The Lord Our God Omnipotent who Reigns (Rev. 19:1-6)

    The Bridegroom Who Will be Wed (Rev. 19:7-10)

    The Lion Who will Return in Judgment (vs. 11-21)

    Theme: Revelation 19:11-21

    Revelation 19:11-21 is about the battle of the Great Day of the Lord. (Zephaniah 1:14; Revelation 16:14) This battle will be of great and yet righteous violence and vengeance.

    Violence

    Words of Battle: … white horse … judge and make war … vesture dipped in blood… armies … sharp sword, …smite … rule … rod of iron … treadeth … fierceness and wrath .. eat the flesh … make war…beast was taken, and with him the false prophet…These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone…slain with the sword

    Vengeance

    A search for "vengeance" in the Bible will result in at least 40 verses. And the context is almost always in reference to God taking vengeance on His enemies.

    Read: Deut. 32:35; Psalm 94:1; Romans 12:19; Romans 3:5

    Deuteronomy 32:35 To me belongeth vengeance, and recompence; their foot shall slide in due time: for the day of their calamity is at hand, and the things that shall come upon them make haste.

    Psalms 94:1 O LORD God, to whom vengeance belongeth; O God, to whom vengeance belongeth, shew thyself.

    Romans 12:19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. (Leviticus 19:18)

    The best revenge is to be unlike him who performed the injury. —Marcus Aurelius, Meditations

    God alone is God. We are never to usurp the AUTHORITY of God -- vengeance for spiritual wrong belongs exclusively to God.

    On 17 June, Michel Servetus was convicted of heresy, "thanks to the 17 letters sent by John Calvin (Calvin agreed that those whom the ruling religious authorities determined to be heretics should be punished:), and sentenced to be burned with his books. Historians record his last words as: "**Jesus, Son of the Eternal God, have mercy on me**."

    Is God unrighteous in His vengeance? {"Do as I say and not as I do"?}

    Romans 3:5 But if our unrighteousness commend the righteousness of God, what shall we say? Is God unrighteous who taketh vengeance? (I speak as a man)

    Dictionary definition of Avenge: inflict hurt or harm on someone for an injury or wrong suffered at their hands. (to carry out a grudge)

    Even deeper than the sense of carrying out a "grudge" is the sense that Scripture gives to revenge. In the scripture, in reference to God, revenge/avenge/vengeance has at its root meaning PUNISHMENT. God is not petty, he is righteous. We see God in our text not passionately out of control because of a vandetta, but we see Christ in His Divine glory*.

    The Lion is a Mighty Conqueror (vs 11-16)

    Verse 11 He is Righteous and Glorious

    Revelation 19:11—And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.

    Verse 12 His Eyes, Crowns and Name

    12 His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself.

    His Eyes were a Flame of Fire

    Two things to consider: His omniscent perception and his omnipotent wrath.

    On His Head Many Crowns

    He is not just Judge and General, but He is also King. In 2 Samuel 12:30 when David defeated the Ammonites he put the crown of the vanquished king on his head. The Dragon has seven diadems as "possesor of the seven great world powers". (Rev. 12:3) The beast has ten crowns combining 10 soveriegn powers. (Rev. 13:1) The accumulation of crowns relates to the accumulation of victories and dominion.

    He has an Unknowable Name

    John saw that the name was written, but did not and could not record it as he was awed with its splendor making it too much for him to understand or know. (Matthew 11:27 the depth of God)

    Verse 13 Reputation, Purpose and Position of Christ

    His Reputation

    …And he was clothed with a vesture.

    His moral character or reputation is seen. He is not naked. He and all those in Heavenly places are clothed. Those who serve the devil are naked. (Mark 5:15 "legion"; Acts 19:16 "Sons of Sceva")

    He is clothed with a long inner garment (Rev. 1:13) and an outer garment ("vesture").

    His Purpose

    … dipped in blood:…

    The blood in this context is not His own, but are the bloodstains of His enemies. We see here the marks of a veteran mighty in battle. This is He who fought for Israel as He fought from Heaven against Egyptians, Canaanites, Philistines and many others. Remember what happened to Dagon? (1 Samuel 5:1-7)

    Isaiah 63:1-4—Who is this that cometh from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah? this that is glorious in his apparel, travelling in the greatness of his strength? I that speak in righteousness, mighty to save. 2 Wherefore art thou red in thine apparel, and thy garments like him that treadeth in the winefat? 3 I have trodden the winepress alone; and of the people there was none with me: for I will tread them in mine anger, and trample them in my fury; and their blood shall be sprinkled upon my garments, and I will stain all my raiment. 4 For the day of vengeance is in mine heart, and the year of my redeemed is come.

    He is in our text wearing the "same garments" as then! He is coming in the same capacity for the same purpose and with the same invincible power.

    His Position

    …and his name is called The Word of God. (John 1:1)

    In our text, He is not coming at this time as a lamb to save, but as "the Word of God" / Judge. He will judge the world by His Word. Three names are given here indicating his position:

    1. An Unknowable Name vs. 12
    2. The Word of God vs. 13, 15

    Revelation 19:15—And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.

    1. King of Kings and Lord of Lords vs. 16

    Revelation 19:16—And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.

    vs. 14 The Armies of Heaven

    The Lion of Judah is Not Alone

    When the Lord Jesus is revealed from Heaven in flaming fire taking vengeance upon them that know not God and that obey not the Gospel, He does not come alone.

    Revelation 19:14—And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.

    2 Thessalonians 1:7,8—And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, 8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:

    Compare with 2 Kings 6:17 and Psalm 68:17;

    Jude 1:14,15—And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints, 15 To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him.

    Saints from all ages of time, make up the armies of the sky. Notice that the Bride goes to Heaven in a Battle (Revelation 12:7) and then comes again in a battle (Revelation 19:14).

    They Followed Him

    He is the commander who gives the orders. They do His bidding. In Matthew 26:53 He could have called 12 legions of angels, but He died alone. (A Roman legion consisted of about six thousand soldiers, or upwards.)

    Upon White Horses

    Clothed in Fine Linen, white and clean

    They Wear no Armor

    The Lion's Last Battle (vs. 17-21)

    Some Background on this Battle

    The Demise of Satan throughout Scripture

    Christ is always the victor. Lucifer rebelled and fell to the condemnation of the devil. Satan deceived Eve, but out of a woman came the seed of the Redeemer! Jesus Christ was betrayed or forsaken by those closest to Him through the wiles of the devil, but three days later Up from the Grave Christ Arose! In the last days, the devil will deceive many, but God will still have his faithful and holy remnant.

    We are in a time, when evil appears to advance his cause without much opposition. No matter the appearances, satan is a defeated foe. We are commanded to resist, defend against and oppose the devil in daily battles. But Christ will have the final say-so and a final "battle" will END the Wicked One and his servants.

    2 Thessalonians 2:8—And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:

    The Gathering and Wine Press in Revelation 14:14-20

    Revelation 14 describes Christ coming as one like unto the Son of man sitting on a white cloud. Having in His hand a sharp sickle, the following judgment is described as both a "gathering of harvest" and a "wine press of wrath".

    Revelation 14:19-20— And the angel thrust in his sickle into the earth, and gathered the vine of the earth, and cast it into the great winepress of the wrath of God. 20 And the winepress was trodden without the city, and blood came out of the winepress, even unto the horse bridles, by the space of a thousand and six hundred furlongs.

    Revelation 19:15—…he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.

    The 6th vial in Revelation 16:12-16

    Revelation 16 told us that the location of this great battle would be in Armageddon. On the human side, the kings of the earth are inspired to gather together against God by evil spirits.

    Revelation 16:14 For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.

    Revelation 16:16 And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon.

    Making War with the Lamb in Revelation 17:14

    Revelation 17:14 describes the kings of the earth as making war with the lamb, but the Lamb and those that are with Him overcome them.

    Revelation 17:14 These [the ten kings of the earth] shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.

    An Invitation to this Battle

    An Invitation to another 'supper' is given: 17 And I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the fowls that fly in the midst of heaven, Come and gather yourselves together unto the supper of the great God; 18 That ye may eat the flesh of kings, and the flesh of captains, and the flesh of mighty men, and the flesh of horses, and of them that sit on them, and the flesh of all men, both free and bond, both small and great.

    19 And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him that sat on the horse, and against his army. 20 And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone. 21 And the remnant were slain with the sword of him that sat upon the horse, which sword proceeded out of his mouth: and all the fowls were filled with their flesh.

    Conclusion

    Section 7

    Binding and Loosing of Satan

    Binding for 1000 Years and Loosing of Satan

    text: Revelation 20:1-3, 7-10

    Satan Sealed in a Bottomless Pit (vs. 1-3)

    Re 20:1 And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. 2 And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years, 3 And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season.

    Souls Living and Reigning with Christ 1000 Years (vs. 4-6)

    (covered in future lesson)

    Following the 1000 Years (vs. 7-10)

    After the 1000 year reign, the devil be released, deceive the nations and finally face his doom.

    Satan will be released for a season (vs. 7)

    Satan is loose, will then be bound, but released again and then punished. It seems like a great pity after 1,000 year of peace for the devil to be released, but it will be necessary. Verse 3 says that he "MUST BE LOOSED". There are three perspectives to consider when tackling this mystery.

    The Perspective of the Devil

    It will prove that no matter how much time goes by and opportunity given him, he will always be the devil. He doesn't improve. It will be righteous to judge him eternally.

    The Perspective of Humanity

    The nations during this 1,000 years need the grace and help of God, just as much as anyone. The loosing of the devil will prove that man's hasn't changed. The devil will still be deceiving and humanity that does not lean hard on God will still be deceived.

    The Perspective of God

    God will have exhausted every measure of grace throughout the dispensations of time. An eternal hell would not be justified for a loving God, unless He first extended every possible invitation. (He tried everything and gave His best.) There will be no regrets or "what if God had done something differently" in eternity.

    Satan will deceive the nations (vs. 8)

    He deceives the nations and terrible disaster ensues. It is the devil who has opened "Pandora's Box".

    Satan will face his doom (vs. 9-10)

    Hell was specially prepared for the devil. Mathew 25:41

    Great White Throne Judgment (vs. 11-15)

    (covered in future lesson)

    Section 7

    1000 Year Reign

    1000 Year Reign

    text: Revelation 20:4-6

    Revelation 20:4-6—And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. 5 But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. 6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.

    What is so confusing about a Millennial Reign?

    Our text tells us some will live and reign with Christ 1,000 years. Millennnial simply means relating to a a period of 1,000 years. It is a fairly universal Christian doctrine that this "Millenial Reign" will take place, but there is also much debate concerning the details of this doctrine.

    Let us categorize and consider some of the points made in this debate. For brevity we will refer to the period of time of the Millenial Reign as "the Reign".

    Premillennialism

    The Reign begins with the Second Coming of Christ and will last exactly 1,000 literal years. The Reign will be a physical one located on the earth. The Reign will be preceded by a literal 7 years of tribulation that concludes with the literal return of Christ on earth. There is great diversity of thought among Premillenialists concerning the timing of the Rapture. Premillenialism can present the timing of the Rapture in at least four ways:

    1. It takes place before the tribulation.
    2. It takes place mid-way through the tribulation.
    3. It takes place after the tribulation.
    4. It takes place before the Wrath of God is poured out on the earth.

    Simply said, Premillennialists can be either Pre-tribulation, Mid-tribulation, Post Tribulation, Pre-Wrath or even "we don't know when" Rapturists. One thing is agreed upon, the Rapture will take place.

    Many premillennialists believe that God will fulfill many unfilled promises to Israel during the Reign.

    [Chuck Swindoll, John Walvoord, the Left Behind Series, Dallas Theological Seminary ]

    Amillennialism

    Amillennism (Greek a- "no" + "millennialism) is the rejection of the belief that Christ will have a 1000 year long physical reign on the earth. The Reign began in Heaven with Christ's resurrection and will last an undetermined number of years, but does end at the Second Coming of Christ. The Reign is characterized as strictly spiritual and accomplished through conversion of the lost. The Tribulation will be a brief period of suffering at the end of the Reign and before Christ's Second Coming. The Tribulation does not last any definite number of years, but it is definitely brief in relation to the time-line of all history. The rapture takes place as part of Christ's Second Coming at the conclusion of the Tribulation period.

    [Covenant theologians, Lutherans, a minority of Baptists, Catholics, most Presbyterian and Reformed churches, Hank Hanegraff, and R.C. Sproul. Even as early as Justin Martyr's time (138-165 A.D.) he said genuine Christians disagreed on the literal millennium. Even in the early church both groups accepted each other in Christ. ]

    Postmillennialism

    Postmillenialism views Second Coming of Christ as happening after a golden age of Christian prosperity. The Reign begins when a majority of the of the population is converted (reference: Matthew 24:14). The Reign lasts for an indefinite time until Christ's Second Coming and not a literal 1000 years (1000 years is interpreted simply as "a long period of time"). Like in Amillennialism the Reign is a spiritual and not physical one. The Tribulation will be a brief period that takes place before Jesus' Second Coming. The Rapture takes place as part of the Second Coming of Christ.

    As similar as Amillennialism and Postmillenialism are, its difficult to tell them apart. Both emphasize a non-literal interpretation and deny the Reign taking place literally on earth. One major difference is that Postmillenialism holds that the Reign is happening right now and that the world will increasingly get better as we approach Christ's return. Christ will return after Christians and not Christ have well established God's Kingdom on the earth.

    Who will take Part in this Administration? (vs. 4,5)

    At least three groups of people are mentioned in our text or elsewhere in Scripture in connection with judging the world.

    The Overcomers

    "And I Saw Thrones"

    These are seats of authority.

    Revelation 3:21—To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.

    Revelation 12:5—And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne.

    "And They Sat Upon Them"

    The seats are occupied.

    "And Judgment was Given Unto Them"

    These have been trusted with discretionary power to act.

    Matthew 24:46-47—Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. 47 Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods.

    We can compare this scene with that in Acts 26:6. In Acts 26, Paul is the one being judged, but in our text, it is the saints who are administrating the judgment.

    1 Corinthians 6:2—2 Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? …

    The Martyrs

    "And I Saw the Souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus"

    Why Were They Beheaded?

    These martyrs had been beheaded for their witness of Jesus and the Word of God. They had resisted worship of the beast and the receiving of his mark.

    1. Witness of Jesus
    2. Stood for Truth
    3. Refused False Worship
    4. Refused the mark of the Beast.

    Their resistance meant an end to natural life, but they had eternal life.

    How Do They Live Again?

    Those Christian martyrs are to be resurrected and will LIVE and REIGN with Christ 1,000 years.

    vs. 4…they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years

    John clarifies that this resurrection is partial and that not all the dead are resurrected at this time. The remaining dead will not be resurrected until AFTER the 1,000 Year Reign.

    What is the Meaning of this Special Blessing? (v. 6)

    There are some who will enjoy the special blessing of taking part in the first resurrection, overcoming the second death, being priests of God and Christ and reigning with Jesus 1,000 years on the earth.

    What do some of these terms mean?

    1. First Resurrection
    2. Second Death
    3. Priests of God and of Christ
    4. 1000 Year Reign
    Section 7

    Great White Throne Judgment

    Great White Throne Judgment

    text: Revelation 20:11-15

    The Judge of this Court (vs. 11)

    A Great White Throne and Him that Sat on It

    11 And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.

    Compare this Throne with details given in Revelation 4 (vs. 11).

    1. chapter Four described the throne of God just as the judgments of God on the earth were to begin. That throne was set in Heaven, but in Revelation 20 we are not told where this is set.

    2. The first has a rainbow around it signifying God's covenant and promises. This was the revelation of grace and mercy. This throne is naked for it has no hopes, no covenant of good in Hell.

    3. The firsth had lightnings, thunders and voices which are indicators of warning. To this throne is nothing like that ascribed but greatness and whiteness. Immeasurable power and pure justice. No more warning, probation. This is the "third strike".

    4. The first had 7 burning torches and seven spirits of God. The fulness of Redemption. This is accompanied with nothing gracious.

    5.the first had beforre it a glassy sea. Here nothing celestial is visible.

    1. The first had singing and joyful exultation, the giving of praises to God and the lamb and rewards for righteousness. Here is no song or voice of gladness.

    The Standard of Proof of this Court (vs. 12)

    The amount of evidence which a plaintiff or prosecuting attorney must present in a trial in order to win is called the standard of proof. Different cases require different standards of proof depending on what is at stake.

    There at least 3 common standards of proof in courts of law:

    1. "beyond a reasonable doubt"
    2. "clear and convincing evidence"

    This standard is often applied to civil cases. According to this standard a person has to prove that it is "more likely than not" that the defendant committed the crime. This standard is not as strict as "beyond a reasonable doubt".

    1. "preponderance of evidence"

    This Court's Standard of Proof

    1. "beyond all doubt"

    The Judge will require no third-hand testimony. He is the "Faithful and True Witness". Jesus Christ is the incriminating witness against all who reject God's plan of salvation.

    Revelation 3:14—And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;

    Proverbs 15:3—The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.

    In this court, the standard of proof will be "beyond all doubt". God does not make mistakes.

    1. Judged Out of the Books

    12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.

    Judged out of the book according to God's law and not the law of man. Each biography will be opened.

    1. Demas - The backslider, I preached and sang and lost it
    2. Agrippa - Almost I became a Christian
    3. Ananias and Sapphira - I love God, I just want to have the world at the same time. (Professed it, but didn't live it)
    4. Judas Iscariot - Lived, walked, called by Jesus and even obtained part of the ministry, yet he traded his soul for 30 pieces of silver. (Matthew 26:15)
    5. Herod - Why didn't you give up your unlawful wife? I loved her too much.
    6. King Ahab - My wife is to blame.
    7. King Saul - I wanted to please the people.
    8. Cain - I thought my offering was just as good as my brothers.

    When placed in the context of eternal judgment our excuses for sin are so trivial!

    The Jurisdiction of this Court (vs. 13)

    13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.

    The Severity of this Court (vs. 14)

    14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.

    God is not soft on sin!

    The Failure to Appear Rate of this Court (vs. 15)

    The State of Maine's Maine Pretrial Services claims a "failure to appear rate" of less than 1% of its clients. That is pretty good, but not as good a rate as the Great White Throne Judgment. There will be a judgment and all will be there (Rev. 6:15). There will be no place to escape this appointment. There will be no jumping bail—failure to appear rate: 0%.

    This will require a resurrection

    Roll Call for a Hell Bound Train

    Revelation 20:15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

    1 Corinthians 6:9-10—Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, 10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.

    fearful, unbelieving, fornicators effeminate, abominable, murderers, whoremongers, sorcerers, idolatars, liars

    Psalm 9:17 The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God.

    James Reynolds -- They say Hell is a place without the presence of God, but that is not altogether true. Hell is a place filled with God's wrath— no love, no mercy, no grace. Hell will never experience joy or peace.

    Hell is a terrible place and it was not made for man (Matthew 25:41). God does not want anyone to go to hell (2 Peter 3:9). God does not send anyone to hell so much as each one there chose it for themselves (Hebrews 10:29): 1) They refused the remedy , 2) insulted the Grace of God, 3) pushed aside the prayers of the righteous and 4) rejected the Love of God.

    Section 7

    New Heaven and New Earth

    New Heaven and New Earth

    TEXT: Revelation 21

    Revelation 21:1—And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.

    Introduction

    John sees that there will be a new heaven and a new earth and then he describes in awesome detail, "New Jerusalem".

    John applies the descriptions of walls, gates, a tabernacle and foundations and even calls what he sees in a lot of places a "city". But, John also compares what he sees with "a bride adorned" and names it in one place "the lamb's wife".

    John describes what he sees coming out of heaven from God as a "holy city", "new Jerusalem", "as a bride adorned", "tabernacle of God", "great city", "holy Jerusalem", "the Bride" and "the Lamb's Wife".

    Who or what is this "city" like? Is it a place or a person? (vs. 9) In order to understand this "great city", we must carefully consider the details as John laid them out for us.

    The End and The Beginning (vs. 1-8)

    The "end" John sees is not an "extinction" but a transition— made new!

    First Glimpse (vs. 1,2)

    Heaven and Earth. John's first impression is that he is seeing something somewhat familiar, and yet it is altogether different. He says he sees a "new earth" and yet it is an earth with no sea. He says he sees a "new heaven" and yet it is a heaven where the veil between it and earth is removed.

    Then John sees another "new" thing. It is New Jerusalem coming down from God out of heaven like as if it were a "young married or betrothed woman" who is ready for her husband as she has put everything in proper order and is beautifully decorated.

    A Proclamation (vs. 3-8)

    The great voice (THE Voice!) proclaims what God is going to do.

    Dwell with Men (vs. 3)

    Notice that New Jerusalem comes "down from God" and from "out of heaven" in verse 2. This is not a description of God's people finally going to heaven to be with God or "men with God". What John sees is more accurately understood as "God with men".

    Revelation 21:3—Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.

    Bring an End to Former Things (vs. 4-8)

    Revelation 21:6—And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end…

    There are many awesome advantages to this new arrangement:

    1. No More Tears
    2. No More Death
    3. No More Sorrow or Crying
    4. No More Pain
    5. No More Thirst
    6. No More Battles
    7. No More Unbelief

    A Tour of New Jerusalem (vs. 9-27)

    9 And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither,

    I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb's wife.

    The Vantage Point (vs. 10)

    In the Spirit

    And he carried me away in the spirit

    A Great and High Mountain

    to a great and high mountain,

    The Descriptions (vs. 10-

    1. A City (vs. 10)

    and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem,

    1. Comes out of Heaven from God (vs. 10) descending out of heaven from God,

    2. Having the Glory of God (vs. 11) 11 Having the glory of God: and her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal;

    3. 12 Gates, 12 Angels and 12 Names (vs 12,13,21, 25-27)

    and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel: 13 On the east three gates; on the north three gates; on the south three gates; and on the west three gates.

    21 And the twelve gates were twelve pearls; every several gate was of one pearl: and the street of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent glass.

    ALL MAY BE SAVED

    25 And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there. 26 And they shall bring the glory and honour of the nations into it. 27 And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life.

    1. A Wall with 12 Foundations (vs. 12,14-20) 12 And had a wall great and high,

    14 And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.

    15 And he that talked with me had a golden reed to measure the city, and the gates thereof, and the wall thereof. 16 And the city lieth foursquare, and the length is as large as the breadth: and he measured the city with the reed, twelve thousand furlongs. The length and the breadth and the height of it are equal. 17 And he measured the wall thereof, an hundred and forty and four cubits, according to the measure of a man, that is, of the angel.

    18 And the building of the wall of it was of jasper: and the city was pure gold, like unto clear glass. 19 And the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones.

    In the heavenly city we have harmony, not monotony; variety, not sameness; unity, not uniformity. The stones are not arranged in the order of the high priest's breastplate, but according to their various shades of colour, beginning from the foundation.—Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

    NOTE: The following are merely educated guesses as to the actual gems referred to in Revelation 21.

    1.Jasper, dark opaque green.

    2.Sapphire, Lapis-lazuli, opaque blue.

    3.Chalcedony, an Emerald of a greenish hue.

    4.Emerald/Smaragdus, bright transparent green.

    5.Sardonyx, white and red.

    6.Sardius, bright red.

    7.Chrysolite, our Topaz, bright yellow.

    8.Beryl, bluish green.

    9.Topaz, or Peridot, yellowish green.

    10.Chrysoprasus, a darker shade of the same colour.

    11.Jacinth/Hyacinthus, Sapphire, sky blue.

    12.Amethyst, violet.

    1. The Lamb of God

    The Lamb is the Temple

    22 And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it.

    The Lamb is the Light

    23 And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof. 24 And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it.

    Section 7

    Heaven

    Heaven

    Text: Revelation 22:1-5

    Revelation 22:1 And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. 2 In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. 3 And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him: 4 And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads. 5 And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.

    John 14:1-3—Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. 2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

    What is Heaven?

    Heaven is a Real Place. God created it as a place of His own beauty and perfect design.

    Genesis 1:1—In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.

    Heaven is not a state or condition of mind, heaven is not a myth or fairy tale, heaven is not imagination heaven is not fiction. Heaven is Real!

    Jesus said it is is a "place" in John 14:2.

    Where is Heaven?

    Genesis 1:1 -- HEBREW: meaning to be lofty; the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies revolve

    Psalm 103:11—Ps 103:11 For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him.

    Heaven is high above the earth. Job 26:7

    Heaven is in the north place. Isaiah 14:13

    Heaven is where God is. 1 Kings 8:30, Isiah 66:1

    What is Heaven Like?

    Heaven belongs to God. (Genesis 14:19,22)

    Romans 14:17

    Revelation 21:4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

    Isaiah 66:1—Thus saith the LORD, The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: where is the house that ye build unto me? and where is the place of my rest?

    Job 3:17 There the wicked cease from troubling; and there the weary be at rest.

    no wicked, no sin, weary at rest Rev. 7:16-17; 21:4; 22:3

    Heaven is a happy place. Psalm 16:11 Luke 15:7 Joy in heaven 1 Cor. 2:9

    Heaven is a place of rewards. Matthew 5:12

    Heaven is a beautiful place (notice our text).

    Who Will Go to Heaven?

    Matthew 5:3 the poor in spirit Romans 8:17 Revelation 22:14

    Not Everyone is Going to Heaven Matthew 7:21; John 3:3; 1 Corinthians 6:9-10

    1Co 15:50 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.

    Phil. 3:21

    Will We Know Anyone in Heaven?

    1 Corinthians 13:12 (different but yes)

    Heaven wouldn't be home if we didn't know anyone. &mdashJames Reynolds, Sr.

    Heaven is a mystery now, but not then!

    How do we Get to Heaven?

    Matthew 18:3—And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.

    Matthew 19:23 hardly a rich man

    John 14:6—Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

    Hymn: THERE's NO DISAPPOINTMENT IN HEAVEN

    Words: Frederick M. Lehman, 1914; he wrote these words in Chicago, Illinois, while suffering financial reverses.

    Music: Frederick Lehman, harmony by his daughter Claudia L. Mays

    "There's no disappointment in heaven, No weariness, sorrow or pain; No hearts that are bleeding and broken, No song with a minor refrain. The clouds of our earthly horizon Will appear in the sky, For all will be sunshine and gladness, With never a tear nor a sigh. We'll never pay rent for our mansion, The taxes will never come due; Our garments will never grow threadbare, But always be fadeless and new. We'll never be hungry nor thirsty, Nor languish in poverty there, For all the rich bounties of heaven His sanctified children will share. There'll never be crepe on the door-knob, No funeral train in the sky; No graves on the hillside of glory, For there we shall never more die. The old will be young there forever, Transformed in a moment of time; Immortal we'll stand in his likeness The stars and the sun to outshine. I'm bound for the beautiful city My Lord has prepared for His own; Where all the redeemed of all ages Sing "Glory" around the white throne; Sometimes I grow homesick for heaven, And the glories I there shall behold, What a joy it will be when My Savior I see, In that beautiful city of gold!"

    Section 7

    Epilogue

    Epilogue (22:6-21)

    Revelation 22:6-21 can be considered the epilogue or the last and concluding statements.

    The Truthfulness of These Writings (v. 6)

    Revelation 22:6—And he said unto me, These sayings are faithful and true: and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to shew unto his servants the things which must shortly be done.

    Truth is Refreshing

    READ: Philippians 4:8-9;

    No One Ever Spoke it Like Jesus!

    Said of the Lord Himself "Never a man spake like this man."

    This Sayings are True

    Three times it is repeated that the sayings of the book are true (19:9; 21:5; 22:6).

    Three times it is affirmed that the sayings come directly from God (1:1; 22:6; 22:16).

    Romains 3:4—God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar;…

    Either this book is nothing but forgery, or it is the most authoritative writing of all time—James R. Reynolds, Sr.

    These Are Gods Own Words ("Faithful And True") and we must take them, build our faith on them, and testify of them. ( 2 Peter 1:19; Matthew 7:24-27; Isaiah 43:10)

    The Repetition of a Special Blessing (v. 7)

    The special blessing promised to those who hear and keep the sayings of Revelation that was given in the first chapter is now repeated.

    Revelation 1:3—Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.

    Revelation 22:7—Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book.

    Is there another Book that is so intense, emphatic, constant or having so much good in it to be gained and ill to be avoided?

    The Effect Upon The Apostle (vs. 8-9)

    Revelation 22:8,9—And I John saw these things, and heard them. And when I had heard and seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which shewed me these things. 9 Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God.

    Direct Orders Concerning This Revelation (v. 10)

    Revelation 22:10—And he saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand.

    "Seal not the sayings of The Prophecy of this book."

    Dan 8:26 12:4,9 Daniel was told to seal up the book. John is told not to seal the book.

    From the beginning John was directed to write what he saw and heard, and to make it known to the Churches. Rev 1:11, 19 Prophetical messages to each church. Rev 2:1, 8, 12, 18, 3:1, 7, 14.

    "Seal up."

    In Chapter 10 he was about to write. The Seven Thunders He was to seal this up -- But the rest he was not to Seal. He was to record them. He was to make them known. He was to publish them to the Churches. These things where written both by Command and Revelation of God.

    See the stress, Urgency, Importance. This Book is very important to us.

    The Effects of This Revelation (v. 11)

    Revelation 22:11 He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.

    There are two schools of thought here --

    One -- The idea of eternal fixedness of character. When these Revelations scenes have been fulfilled.

    The other idea -- is the Effect of these Words -- or this Revelation.

    The meaning of the text has immediate reference to the context -- to the now -- sealing- writing and publishing. For a better understanding read it --

    Let the unjust one do injustice more and more and the filthy one defile more and more, and the righteous one do righteousness more and more."

    II Tim 3:13 Heb 6:7-9

    The same light of the Sun breeds pestilence in the marshland. Breeds life to all. It is an ill to the ill. Good to the Good.

    The Rewards To All (vs. 12-19)

    All Will be Rewarded

    12 And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. 13 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.

    Without exception, all will receive their just reward.

    The Reward of Entering God's City

    Revelation 22:14 Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. 15 For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.

    Rewards of Blessing

    16 I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star. 17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. 18 For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: 19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.

    To the wicked -

    Degrees of Reward -- More tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah

    To the Righteous --

    Degrees of Reward - Not Salvation but for works.

    Wood -- hay -- stubble Gold- Silver -- Precious Stones.

    The Benediction (vs. 20-21)

    Revelation 22:20,21—He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus. 21 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

    Topical Studies

    Topical Studies

    People of Revelation

    People of Revelation

    List

    - Paul (1)
- 7 Churches (2,3)
- Angels &amp; Ministers (1,8-11)
- Four Living Creatures (4)
- 24 Elders (4)
- Martyrs
- 144,000
- Palm Bearing Multitude
- 2 Witnesses
- Revelation 12 - Sun-clothed Woman, Manchild, Remnant
- Anti-Christ and False Prophet
- Mytery Babylon and Babylon the Great City (17,18)
- Those in Heaven: Much People, 24 Elders, Four Beasts (19)
- The Lamb's Wife (19)
- Overcomers
- They which are called unto the marriage Supper of the Lamb
- The Great War and its Actors
- Millenial Saints
- The Dead (and their judgment)
- Readers of Revelation ()
    Topical Studies

    Glimpses of Christ

    Glimpses of Christ

    List

    1. Revelation 1:5-8 Savior and Coming Again ('with clouds')
    2. Revelation 1:12-18 The Glorified Christ
    3. Revelation 2 & 3 THE HEAD OF HIS CHURCH Holding the 7 Stars in his Right Hand and Walking in the Midst of the Seven Golden Candlesticks
    4. Revelation 5-8 THE LAMB IN THE MIDST OF THE THRONE HE Begins the SEASON OF JUDGMENT - WITH WRATH
    5. Revelation 8:3-5 The Mystery Angel
    6. Revelation 14:1-5 A Lamb Stood on Mount Sion
    7. Revelation 19 Will Be Wed
    8. Revelation 20:1-10 King of Righteousness
    9. Revelation 22 Temple and Light

    1. Savior and Coming Again (Revelation 1:5-8)

    2. The Glorified Christ (Revelation 1:9-20)

    THE WITNESS: HOW did John Hear and See -- Received in the Spirit and to be understood only by the Spirit

    8 times in Revelation: Re 13:9 If any man have an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith ....

    God revealed Himself to Moses, on Mt.Sinai "voice of a trumpet exceeding loud." (Exodus 19:16) The Temple opened its doors in the morning at the sound of the trumpet. The Year of Jubilee came with the sound of the trumpet. Lev. 25:9,10 The Silence of the Age will be broken by the sound of a trumpet.

    I Thessalonians 4:16--The trumpet shall sound and the dead shall be raised.

    "Golden" GREAT COST. The candlesticks were composed of the costliest metal.

    GREAT BEAUTY. The tabernacle use filled with the use of gold. Gold is expressive of Godliness.

    Psalm 96:9-- O worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness: fear before him, all the earth.

    Topical Studies

    Media

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    Topical Studies

    The Antichrist

    The word Antichrist means the great adversary of Christ. The enemy of God.

    This Antichrist is already in the world, (I John 4:3; 2:18; 2:22). In I John 2:18 says Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that Antichrist shall come, even now there are many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.

    This Antichrist will come from the old world, he will the new Roman empire and will have dominion over the world. (Rev 13:1) He will have great powers. He will persecute and try to destroy all Christianity. Also he will establish a world wide religion because man must have some kind of religion. This religion will be called State-worship. The first attempt to establish State-worship is recorded in Daniel when Nebuchadnezzar was king and built the great Babylonian empire.

    He set up a golden image and commanded all the people to worship this or they would die. He tried to convince the people that this state gave them everything.

    The French Revolution is another example of this policy. God and Christ were cast out and the goddess, "La Patrie". or the State. The citizen is born, lives, and dies to "La Patrie".

    Jesus tells the leaders that were trying to catch him in doing wrong, God is to receive the things that are God's, and Caesar is to receive the things that are Caesar's. Caesar demanded the things that were God's and was lost.

    Topical Studies

    Wherever He Goes

    Wherever He Goes - Revelation 14:4

    **Revelation 14:4 ** - These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb.

    Adam - "Fellowship with Me"

    Ge 3:8 And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden.

    Noah - "Build An Ark"

    Ge 6:13 And God said unto Noah, The end of all flesh is come before me; for the earth is filled with violence through them; and, behold, I will destroy them with the earth. 14 Make thee an ark of gopher wood; rooms shalt thou make in the ark, and shalt pitch it within and without with pitch.

    Abraham - "Get Thee Out of thy Country"

    Ge 12:1 Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will shew thee: 2 And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: 3 And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed. 4 So Abram departed, as the LORD had spoken unto him; and Lot went with him: and Abram was seventy and five years old when he departed out of Haran.

    Israel's Journeys - "A Trumpet"

    Nu 10:1 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, 2 Make thee two trumpets of silver; of a whole piece shalt thou make them: that thou mayest use them for the calling of the assembly, and for the journeying of the camps.

    1Co 14:8 For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle?

    David

    Psalm 23

    Jesus - "Not My Will"

    Lu 22:42 Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.

    Others

    Amy Carmichael (55 years, no furlough), George Mueller (no offerings), D.L. Moody (win souls)

    Topical Studies

    [archived] The Opening of the Seventh Seal

    VII

    VII.    The Opening of the Seventh Seal

                  Chap. 8:1

                  

    1. A mysterious silence  (“in Heaven”)

     

      1. The response to the breaking of the seal

     

                  It  was the breaking of this seal that produced this silence.

     

      1. The Lamb is involved

     

                “He” breaks the seal – opening the seal.

     

      1. The results of the seal opened

     

                “There is silence”

                “Still before the storm”

     

      1. The location of the event

     

    “In Heaven”

     

      1. The duration of the event

     

    “About half an hour”

    “Hemioron” – “Hemi” Half

    “Hora” Hour

     

    1. The meaning of this silence

     

                “Silence” “siqe” hush – voluntary stillness or refusal to speak.

                It is a silence of intense interest and awful expectancy with

                reference to the results of the breaking of the seventh seal.

         

    Topical Studies

    The Consequence of Allegiance

    Third Message — &lquo;The Consequence of Allegiance&rquo; (vs. 9-13)

    (vs. 9-11)

    (vs. 12-13)

    Judgment on the followers of the Antichrist.

    ###The Reason for their Judgment

    ####They Worship the Beast ####They Worship his Image ####They Receive his Mark (forehead or hand)

    ###The Nature of their Judgment

    ####The Same Shall Drink of the Wine of the Wrath of God.

    Which is poured out without mixture into the cup of His indignation.

    This judgment promised is an undiluted concentration of punishment from God Almighty.

    Ps 60:3 Thou hast shewed thy people hard things: thou hast made us to drink the wine of astonishment.

    As wine is an intoxicating and overwhelming drink so it is used in Scripture to symbolize these effects. There is the Wine of the Spirit which is joy in Holy Ghost, but there is also the Wine of Wrath or Violence which is

    John 4:13 Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: 14 But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.

    Jesus drinking the cup (Hebrews 2:9).

    Luke 22:42 Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.

    (from commentary) The wine of the wrath of God] As they have drunk the intoxicating wine of idolatry or spiritual fornication, they shall now drink the wine of God's wrath, which is poured out into the cup of his indignation. This is an allusion to the poisoned cup, which certain criminals were obliged to drink, on which ensued speedy death.

    ####Shall be Tormented with fire and brimstone

    Tormented: torture, pain. Brimstone: sulphur

    Luke 16:23 And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, …

    ####In the Presence of the Holy Angels and of the Lamb

    Presence, face, in sight of, before.

    ###The Duration of their Judgment

    ####The Smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever

    ####They have no rest day nor night

    Matthew 25:46 Mark 3:29 2 Thessalonians 1:9

    Topical Studies

    (fragment) Sun Clothed Woman

    These notes are pages 13 to 17 of a printed document I found. It obviously is missing the 1st 12 pages. I do not know where they're from. Other than they belonged to James Reynolds, Sr.

    The sun clothed woman, continued.

    … And we have seen all the way through from Pentecost right on down through to this very hour. The Church is been existing, militant, and prosperous. The devil would come along and say the Church is never really accomplish too much. Brothers and sisters, I'm sure in the record of heaven you are going to find a different thing altogether. God keeps good books. The Church tonight has been insulted. It's been attacked. It's been put through the fire and burned at the stake. You read of the early disciples. Every one of them right on down through gave their lives. All was beheaded, but the Church went on. They crucified Peter upside down, but the Church 1st, because it wasn't Peter's Church. Jesus said, "I will build my Church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." Brother, God himself is building the Church and, the gates of hell shall not prevail against it, even though the devil would try to come against it with every devilish thing that he can. He's tried to attack it from every side. He's tried to attack that which the Church is been built upon, the rock of revelation. Jesus said, "I'm going to build my Church." What is it that causes you to stand in your heavenly position are sick heavenly places? What is it that carries you above the power of darkness? It is the revelation of the word; the revelation of Jesus Christ. He has built his Church on revelation, and against this Church the gates of hell shall not prevail.

    he is not just building a church in the same time, he has built it. The church is still in existence even though maybe as far as denominations and man's organization within the framework of the church, we become disgusted with what we see. Yes, God has a church tonight. Look at Ephesians 1:19 to 23. I think this is one of the most thrilling things that the Holy Spirit has come toward the believer.

    Ephesians 1:19 to 23--And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power.

    we want the Lord to do great things in us. We want to see great things done. We say, "oh Lord, can you do great things for us?" The word of the Lord gives the answer. The Lord already has done great things.

    and what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us for which he rot in Christ, when he raised him from the bed, and set him at his own right hand and the heavenly places, far above all principality, empower, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: and that for all things under his feet, and gave them to be the head over all things to the church, which is his body,

    what is the church tonight? The body of Christ and he has put all things under his, we are his body. We are more than conquerors in the church tonight is more than a comical. The "moon is under her feet."

    now, going into the last part of the verse, "upon her head a crown of 12 stars." There are a lot of folks that will say that these are the 12 apostles. Time to Ephesians 2:19 to 20.

    Ephesians 2:19—20——now therefore you are no more strangers and foreigners but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God; and are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone.

    also you will find that in the new city Jerusalem the stones will have the names of the 12 apostles recorded on them. Now then, the foundation stone sound to me a whole lot different than stars on a crown. I cannot fathom how foundation stones can be interpreted for 12 stars in a crown. The crown here has to do with the kingdom. The moment you think about a crown, you think about royalty, somebody was been crowned. Therefore there must be a kingdom, and when you have a crown or kingdom have old and authority and government. Also, a crown speaks of reward. Isn't this all true? Now when you begin to think of this in the light of Scripture and John already seen this one crowned, before the child is produced; then we look for someone in the Scripture was already entered into a crown position, was enrolled, was now governing. Now it's got to be in connection with the church because we just proved from the Scripture that the church is referred to here. But now it doesn't say upon her feet were upon her shoulder, but "upon her head a crown of 12 stars." Isn't it that what it says? Now look at Ephesians 1:22

    Ephesians 1:22 — that he is the head of the church

    Again look in Ephesians 5:23

    Ephesians 5:23 — Christ is the head of the church.

    so then, we are seeing something of a body composed of Jesus Christ the head and the great body of his people making up the body of the church. Now where is Christ tonight? Where is his position? Is he on the earth? He is in the place of authority. Isn't that right? He's already entered into the kingdom. He is an rulership tonight. He's already been crowned. 12 had to do with heavenly perfection. I'm sure it must have some significance, probably having to do with the greatness of the Lord. I'm sure it is something more than the fact that it speaks about 12 apostles. It has something to do with the office and function and the reward of the Lord Jesus Christ. He learned obedience to the things he suffered, and he became the capital of our salvation and was made perfect by these things. He brings 5:8; Hebrews 2:10.

    This is his earthly life that we are talking about, and Jesus received a reward for this. He has already entered and and he is already crowned the King of kings and Lord of Lords.

    one other thought with this: because he is the head of the church is part of his body, therefore he being the king, we must then also share in his rule and authority.

    I Peter 2:9 —but ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, and a holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.

    "royal priesthood…"

    Revelation 1:6 — And hath made us kings, and priests unto God and his father; to him be glory and dominion forever and ever.

    this is just the 1st step of the lesson, just trying to establish in your mind with this woman is. It's the church in a militant position, with the Lord Jesus Christ, and close relationship with them.

    there is a cry and a travail in the church to bring forth a company of over commerce, the people that will live according to the truth of God, out of the church, out of this militant body.

    you and I know tonight that the church is in a state different from what it was when it started at Pentecost. When Pentecost came over when the church started, it was like a young birds and going out to wrestling fight over common to conquer. But now it as she has come to the end of the age, it's a woman over grown and developed, producing something by the spirit of God. She has become weakened and in pain and agony, ready to be delivered. This is the state of the church tonight because she is getting ready to bring forth. Why do you think we're living in an age when the Holy Ghost is being poured out in the manner in which it is? You know what happens to woman in the last phases are stages of being with child? As the last days,, she becomes greatly enlarged. This is what you see here, a woman enlarged and in pain ready to be delivered. I believe that we are living in a time when the Holy Ghost and the church has leaped over the denominational barriers. We put them up, God didn't. The Holy Ghost isn't breathing men today bringing them into something, that he might bring out of them the most wonderful thing that has happened since the dawn of creation, which is a manchild that is going to shake loose creation itself; and manifestation of sons of God in these last days. Romans 8:19 — 23.

    this is not going to be the whole church itself. The church will go into the tribulation hour just like this revelation declares.

    there is a people that is going to come out and "escape all these things," "and stand before the Son of Man." Luke 21:36. You say what you want to…

    Topical Studies

    Some Class Notes Part 1 of 2

    Theology

     

    10-13-05

    History is different from prophecy. History has to do with the past and prophecy has to do with the future.

    This book was written around sometime around 97 A.D. But remember what the Lord said about time.

    II Peter 3:8 – A day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years is as a day

    Some say don’t touch the book of Revelation; – Revelation 22:18 – So to not accept this book is to in a sense take away from this book; Remember in verse 3 – We read, hear, and we keep. Those who read and keep this book is blessed.

    Everything has a beginning in Genesis and everything has an ending in Revelation. Revelation completes the plan that was started in Genesis.

     

    - I Corinthians 1:7

    The Apocalypse has to do with the revealing, appearing, manifesting.

    Remember when he said with ten thousands of his saints that could mean millions and millions.

    - I Thessalonians 1:6-10

    When He went up into a cloud, what was that cloud? Remember that when He arouse the graves were opened; and remember Joseph wanted to be buried in the Promised Land; He ascended with the saints, He lead captivity captive.

    - I Peter 1:7

    Remember this, it is more than just a possibility, it is an absolute; we will be tried. We will be tried by fire.

    I felt I had no business preaching, because I didn’t know God.

    The death of my first wife – said I’ll never preach his Gospel (trial so hot, until I said God I can’t take it anymore)

    The death of my son (one year later, to the very day) – said I’ll preach you’ll Gospel (had it not been for a supernatural miracle of God giving his grace to me, I could have lost my mind)

    - Daniel 12:4

    - Revelation 22:10

    The same spirit that inspired it will make it know to those seek, know, and keep.

    Don’t expect to understand and receive Revelation if you are not walking in the light that you have.

     

    (2) It is a revelation of Jesus Christ

    What does the name Jesus mean: Saviour (He shall save His people from there sins)

    Not by Jesus

     

    1. The Sons exaltation

    Acts 2:33

     

    1. His ministry in the Church

    Revelation 1:13

     

    1. His position in the throne

    Revelation 4:2

    1. His choice of a Bride

    Revelation 19:7, 8

    Through chapter 1 and 2 is says to him that overcometh, and in the last sense to him that overcometh will sit on the throne with me

     

    1. His rapture of the Church

    Revelation 4:1 – After the church age,

    To sit with me on the throne, When? When they become overcomers like He overcome

    The outpouring of the Holy Ghost, the fullness, both the former and latter rain, that will help us to enable to obtain that overcoming position.

    We cannot produce perfection for ourself, it is promised in the Word. We cannot be off and on, in and out, and expect to receive his power. The outpouring will not be amongst the church. I believe it will be both a personal and in the services outpouring of the Holy Ghost.

    I believe the outpouring will be before His Bride is translated. He wants to show His power. The last enemy to be defeated is death.

    The church will be raptured after the 3½ years of tribulation. He is not coming back after His Bride, but after the church. The Bride was taken to the Bridegroom. Acts 3:21 …the heaven must receive Jesus until the restitution of all things…  

    At the turn of the century, the greatest contenders to the great moves of the Holy Ghost were churchgoers.

     

    1. His coming in power and glory

    Matthew 24:30

    What were the signs?

    He is coming as that great God of heaven

     

    1. His raising the dead

    John 5:28-29

    All that are in the graves are going to hear his voice

    vs. 27

     

    1. His judgment of the nations

    Revelation 14:7

     

    1. His reign and rule on the earth

    Revelation 11:15

     

    1. His judgment on Satan

    Revelation 20:

    The Lord’s Day has to do with his coming.

    If the devil is giving you a hard time, get lost in the spirit. In the natural, everyone of the churches had faults, but John got lost in the spirit and saw that the devil was bound.

    After the thousand years, he is loosed and not only deceives many, but many nations; the number as many as the sand of the sea.

     

    (4) It is a prophecy

    Some say it is the church producing Christ

    Others say it is the Israel producing Christ

    Isaiah 66:7

    Revelation 12:1, 2

    People go wrong because they don’t believe all together that this is prophecy. Israel had no idea they were producing Christ. And remember it is future prophecy. He showed him things that are to come to past.

    Revelation 1:19

    vs. 19 – Write the things which thou hast seen

    vs. 11 – He talks about the things that he has seen. He is writing to the churches. Wherever there is an absence of who he is writing to is to say he is writing to the churches.

     

    Out of the struggle, there is coming a man child. The Bride; the man child has to do with the fully matured child,

    It is the Word that is going to produce the Life of Jesus in the life of the believer.

    How do we make ourself ready; by appropriating all that God has provided for us.

    Some Keys: -It is a book of prophecies -It is written to the churches

    4:1

     

    (5) It is symbolic

    Signs are used through out the scripture.

    What does an angel refer to in the scripture? It refers to a messenger, a messenger of God.

    Don’t worship anything but God.

     

     

    A man once said to God, How come you did send us a man who would have a cure for cancer? And God said I did, and you aborted him.

     

    They said to John, I am one of those who kept the sayings of John

     

    10-21-05

    Genesis represents the beginning and Revelation represents the ending.

    The subject of this book is the Revelation of Jesus Christ. The Revelation is considered to be a gift from God. Revelation is prophecy, and prophecy is the future, history written in advance.

    Revelation 4:1

    Through it is symbolic language; that does not mean that all is symbolic; and remember whenever he does not refer directly than he is writing to the churches.

     

     

    1. Introduction
      1. The Subject of This Book

     

      1. The Scribe of This Book

    John 1:1-14

    I John 1:1-3

     

      1. The Value of This Book

    It is a spiritual book and to understand the things of the spirit, it will take spiritual discernment, thus we need and must have the Holy Spirit. Eye hath not seen and ear hath not heard but he hath reveled them unto us by the Spirit (I Corinthians 2:9, 10). Many times we read over things, and have read it over and over but than all to once the Lord reveals something unto you and it is like a new window that is opened unto you.

    Judah always in scripture has to do with praise. The great revivals were birthed out of praise, and prayer. Desirers and hungry for God;

    Illustration: Grandpa talking about his message, “A Panoramic View of Pentecost” talking about Pentecost, and its changing from old time preachers, to our generation. We desired to be eloquent and have become half-hearted in our life and religion. It is not that old time religion anymore.

    The Holy Spirit knows more than you will ever be able to learn. He can do for you in a sec what would take you years and years to learn, actually things you would never learn.

    His words are spirit and life. We don’t need half-heartedness anymore.

     

    It is rewarding because of the revelation.

    Bro. Gunderson was a man I truly envied-wanted what he had as such, He was great, great man of God.

    Every book has a blessing, but Revelations specifically says you will receive a blessing. Blessed are those that read, hear, and obey this book.

    Revelations 22:10

    Seal not this book because the time is at hand.

     

    1. The Salutation
      1. The Sources of This Salutation
        1.  
        2.  
        3. The Spirit

    Not talking about seven spirits, but seven functions of the Spirit.

     

        1.  

     

      1. The Subjects of This Salutation

    The Philadelphian age came at the turn of the century; the spirit of God moved and than all the sudden all the church organizations started popping up.

    If you deny the Father and the Son, you are of an anti-Christ spirit.

    In the 60’s there was a real turning of the organizations.

    William Branium said this in the late 50’s; there would be two preachers who would lead the churches into a world council of churches; Oral Roberts and Billy Graham.

    Probably around the 50’s & 60’s the Laodicean age started to be ushered in.

     

      1. The Substance of This Salutation

    If we have peace with God that is all that really matters.

    Peter was leaving Rome because of Persecution; that was the history of it. And as he was fleeing he had a vision of Christ going to Rome and going to be crucified again; and Peter said no Lord I will go and returned and when they were to crucify Peter he said I am not worthy to be crucified by my Lord, put me upside down.  

    And in the midst of it all, He cometh

     

    The sign of the beginning of the tribulation is when God steps on the scene for Israel.

     

    WATCH & PRAY – that you be counted worthy

     

    We need to be seeking, applying all the truth that we can. You can see that tribulation is not far away.

    The refining process is developing the Bride but the Church will be come to development through persecution.

    Paul said we have the earnest of our inheritance

    Kept by the power of God… I Peter 1:4, 5

    Those in the last days those who will attain to the Bride, will have the fullness of the spirit; have applied all the truth that they have attained.

     

      1. The Circumstances of This Salutation

    We are brothers because we are born into the same family. A Christian is born into the church; not joining the church will do it.

    Remember this, there is going to be suffering, times of real struggle; and that is when you will really get to know God. A development of our faith;

     

    1. The Vision

    Revelation 1:10-20

    The Lord’s Day in the scripture always has to do with his coming.

    He was transported through time, and was reveled these things.

     

      1. Received in the Spirit
      2. Commanded To Record It
      3. Commanded To Share It
      4. Announced By A Voice

    There is something about the trumpet, and instruments like that, that you could not only hear it, but you could also feel that. When William Branium preached you could not only hear but you could feel it, and Branium was not that loud of a individual.

    A great voice, that takes in something more than just a sound.

    It is just that voice that goes through you,

    Preachers should lift up their voice as a trumpet. We might as well just close the doors if we are just going to entertain people. What is the purpose of the church if all we come for is to be entertained?

    PREACH THE WORD!!!   And always be ready to preach and to sound the trumpet.

    Leviticus 25:10, 11 – Make the trumpet sound throughout all the land, he wanted everyone to hear the sound, to know it is the year of Jubilee; no matter what they were doing, they could drop their things and go home, it is the year of Jubilee.

    Soon and very Soon we are going to see the King

     

     

     

    10-28-05

    Revelation 1:10-20

    The Lord’s Day is the return of the Lord.

    It is so important to write things down, even if you think that you will never forget it.

     

      1. The First Scene of the Vision

     

    The spirit will go with the church. And when the church is taken out;

    The Holy Spirit was in the Old Testament but in a different manner.

    When the church is taken He will leave in the manner in which he came at the day of Pentecost.

    The true church is the body of Christ.

     

    A candle gives light, but out of itself.

    Exodus 27:

    Oil is a type of the Holy Spirit.

    We are not a candle; we need oil to keep our lamps burning.

    Is it enough that you got filled with the Holy Spirit once; that means we need to continually be refilled.

     

    II Peter 1:4

     

      1. The Seconded Scene of the Vision

     

     

      1. The Third Scene of the Vision

     

    1.  

     

     

    11-4-05

    The Seven Churches

    Revelation Chapter 2-3

    Seven Letters

    1. Addressed To The Ministers

     

    “Unto the angel of the church”

    Revelation 22:8, 9

    This was a man that was glorified; it was not an angel as such.

     

    Angle means messenger

     

      1. It Is A Revelation of Ministerial Responsibility

     

        1. To hear from God

    Ezekiel 3:17

    The blood will be required on our hands. This is very serious;

    Illus: Bernead Seveay, talked in the pickup, died a few days after

    This like murdering a man, it is a sin you would have to repent. The grace of God goes beyond what we can understand.

     

        1. To receive from God

    Galatians 1:11-12

    Make sure everything that you preach come from the Lord. Don’t let the theories of the Lord sway you.

    A young man in Bible School I was with was swayed every week by the book he read.

    Remember the Spirit and the Word agree.

    Often times you will sit and hear something and can’t find fault with it, but your spirit does not agree, something is wrong.  

    I promised myself, that I wouldn’t give anyone more than one night until I have heard him first.

    Illus: Crooked preacher, took offering for Grandpa and took it with him, crooked as corkscrew

    It is not just having the right word but we must have the right spirit

     

        1. To speak for God

    Isaiah 58:1

     

        1. To answer to God

    II Corinthians 5:10

     

      1. It Is A Revelation of Ministerial Distinction

     

        1. They are a part of the Church

    Philippians 2:29

    I Thessalonians 5:12, 13

    Respect him highly because he is a minister of the Gospel.

    Esteem them very highly in love; He makes it very plainly to “know them”

    There are some that don’t deserve this honor, you must live right.

     

        1. Yet a separate part of the Church

    Didn’t receive by man, I was called by God to minister.

     

      1. It Is A Revelation of Ministerial Protection

    “He that holdeth the seven stars”

     

    God protects us, in countless situations, we don’t even know about.

     

     

        1. Keeps for Himself

    John 10:27, 28

    Now this scripture is so mistreated; they know Him and they follow Him

    This is not eternal security; that is a lie

     

        1. Keeps from the Enemy

    II Timothy 4:16-18

    All men forsook me, even Barnabas.

    Out of the mouth of the lion, the devil is roaring lion

     

      1. It Is A Revelation of Ministerial Authority

    “In His right hand”

     

        1. The place of authority

    Luke 22:69

    God’s right hand having to do with power and authority

    Giving them power and authority over devils

     

        1. It is delegated authority

    When God gives delegated authority, can it be taken away? The gifts and callings of God are without repentance.

    Example: A.A. Allen – In the closet, lost all recollections of time, 13 things God revealed to him 13 things that were displeasing to God, It took him 13 months to cross of the last on the list. God used him, miracle of the unformed flesh to a baby. One of the greatest miracles; Under pressure of finances and etc he went back to drinking, than he repented, and this cycle went on and on, and eventually he gave up on repenting. Told the ministers, said I know where I am going, but I am going to keep all the people I can from going there.

    A young man I know, late in his ministry, got healed in his ministry. God used him but he was not right.

    Don’t try to do more than what God calls you to do. So under the pressure of trying to do too much; Without Him we can do nothing, and without Him we are doing it with ourselves.

    Luke 9:1

     

        1. They are His representatives

    II Corinthians 5:20

    We are ambassadors, we are representatives of Christ.

    When in Japan, our commander told us, “Gentlemen, you are ambassadors for the Untied States of America, Act like it, Do the right thing”

    We ought to walk right, live right, talk right; it really matters what we say

    Some preacher use slang like: gosh and gee – that is referring to God and that is wrong and evil. When we speak of the Lord’s name we should use a lot of reverence and honor and care.

    Does it excite you that you are going to heaven and not hell? Shouldn’t I live a life that exemplifies Christ? A Christian should be known by how he looks the presentation.

    Something you will encounter in this age; this age of dress down to go to church, they wear ripped cloths to go to church, no suit and or dressed up clothes in honor to him.

    “The unfaithful servant saith he delayeth his return” Matthew 24:48

    You will have to face some things, and you will have to take a stand against some things.

    Will you go to hell out of a suit? No, but we are his ambassadors

    Don’t degrade the position that we have been put in, by using the slang of the world, by using slang in general. We are ambassadors for Christ.

     

    What is an apostle? One that is sent

    How will they hear unless someone goes, unless someone is sent?

    There are true and false prophets and apostles.

    I Corinthians 12:28

    Set some in the church: Apostles, Prophets, Teachers…Pastors

    Are all prophets and teachers, No – there are some

    Desire the best gift, the best gift is the one that is needed

    An Apostle is usually one that sets up churches…

    Can they bear each others qualities?

     

    Some say it is a five-fold ministry. But in reality it is a four-fold ministry. (Teaching-Pastors)

    Illus: a man preaching, man said I don’t see anything wrong with having a little bit of paint, and I had to sit them down.

     

    11-11-05

     

    1. Directed To The Churches

     

    “Who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks”

     

     

     

    1. Seven is the number of completeness
      1. To the whole Church

    There is only one church. And that is not talking about the church that is part of the world. Those who are born again and filled with the spirit

     

      1. To the whole Age

    From Pentecost to the Rapture of the Church

    There were seven churches scattered through Asia-Minor.

    Why does it refer to these seven churches only? In every one of these churches, they had distinguishing marks which were symbolic of each church age.

    Yes there were more than these churches in that time and area

     

    1. Seven is a compound number
      1. The divine number -3
      2. Plus the world number - 4

     

    1. Seven Gentile churches
      1. No letter for the church at Jerusalem

     

      1. He will have a Gentile bride

    Ruth was a Moabite; Esther was not of the lineage of Abraham

    Acts 15:13-15

    The Tribulation is really God dealing with the nation of Israel.

     The first 3½ years are not as bad as the later 3½ years; but it still will be bad. People will be killed, tortured and etc…

     

    1. Seven churches Paul wrote to
      1. Romans, Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, Thessalonians

    I believe Paul wrote the book of Hebrews but it was written to the people and not to a church.

     

      1. Personal letters to Timothy, Titus and Philemon
      2. Believe to have written Hebrews to the people

     

    1. Ephesus – Church of apostolic age – 96 A.D.

    MISSONARY

     

    1. Smyrna – Church of the persecution beginning about the second century – 97 A.D.

    PERSECUTION

     

    1. Pergamos – Church of imperial favor – beginning about 312 A.D.

    IMPERIAL FAVOR

     

    1. Thyatira – Church of the Papacy – beginning 450 A.D.

    PAPACY

    316 A.D. The holy Roman Catholic church came into being, taking their relics, devised by heathen leaders in the church

    The church was birthed on the day of Pentecost, which was the first church; even though the Roman Catholic church will try to claim it.

     

    1. Sardis – Church of the Reformation – beginning about 1517 A.D.

    REFORMATION

    Martian Luther prior to his great study of the scriptures that lead him to the “just shall live by faith” but before that he, the sprit of God spoke to him that, the just shall live by faith.

    Luther fought them in their counsels, and they fought him hard.

    God restored faith – Jude says …contend for the faith…

    The Wesley brothers restored the element of sanctification, anything that was worldly, and sinful, and bearing the element of the world.

     

    1. Philadelphia – Church of the latter day outpouring – present through end of age

    LATER-DAY OUTPOURING

    The Baptist bible college in Topeka, Kansas – students received the power of the Holy Ghost.

    They were so earnest in seeking the Lord, they actually set up a time of everyday seeking the Lord, 24 hours, 3 hour periods and then someone else would relieve them, sometimes they would get so enthralled that they say can I take another shift.

    That revival spread all throughout America, like a prairie fire, from one town to another. And even around the world.

    Philadelphian age is still in affect, even though it is not as prominent as the Laodicean age.

    Why? - Revelation 3:10 Philadelphian church will be caught up

    Keep the Word, tribulation worketh patience;

    …hour of temptation… or interpreted hour of tribulation

    Some will be counted worthy; some will be part of the Bride. Some still love his Word, and hold to his Word.

    …from… not just put you some place but take you to a great place

     

    1. Laodicea – lukewarm Church – present through end of age

    LAST-DAY INDIFFERENCE

    Some say the Lord would rather you be outright sinful than to be lukewarm. That is not true, remember he is writing to the church, this was a church that used to know the truth but now they have cooled off and they are luke-warm.

    Three stages of the Christian walk: cold, luke-warm, and hot

    When you are luke-warm, you are comfortable, and that means that you don’t feel your need.

    To say that He would rather you be sinful, dear God.

     

    In every church Jesus commended them, condemned them, counseled them, and challenged them.

     

    The most important thing right now: “That you know the truth, and that truth becomes a part of your living.”

     

    There will be a people that will escape the tribulation hour. The hour is becoming more and more self-evident. < Iniquity is abounding – The Love of many is waxing cold -

     

    In the revival back when, they said they had more people in their prayer meetings than in their church services. Used to be that churches ran revivals 5 or 6 months or even three months; but now we have our Sunday morning service and maybe a Sunday night.

    Illus: Grandpa, I enjoy reading and studying the Word, it is not something that I have to do. I delight in they Word.

     

    11-18-05

    1. Seven letters John wrote to the Seven Churches
      1. Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, Laodicea
      2. He wrote the Gospel of John, the three Epistles and Revelation,

    Not addressed to the churches as such

     

    1. Seven distinct parts in each letter
      1. An address
      2. A citation
      3. A statement of knowledge

    The Lord knows the end from the beginning. He does not become to be knowledgeable, He knows.

     

      1. A description of moral status

    He is writing to the church, these are not letters written to sinners. As much as he has plans for Israel, he would scatter them if they rebelled.

     

    Some tried by fire, if the Lord brought them to judgment that they would suffer lose. Lose of the things that they had accomplished. They would have had a reward.

    Some as if by fire, by the skin of your teeth;

    The grace of God goes beyond anything that we can grasp

     

    He is not talking to sinners; He is talking to the church.

     

      1. A personal application to the individual
      2. A command
      3. A promise

     

    1. Out of the seven, Christ finds fault with five
      1. One of these He finds nothing to commend
      2. Two alone pass inspection –

    Yet they are in contact with elements which He condemns

     

    When you come to Laodicea, probably the most worldly of all of them; He finds complaint with all of them, except for maybe the Philadelphia church, and even that to a certain degree.

     

    1. The Content of the First Letter

    Revelation 2:1

      1. The Messenger

    He addresses it to the church of Ephesus, but to the angel of the church

    Galatians 2:6-9

    Romans 11:13

    Ephesus was a gentile church

    Galatians 1:12-19

    There is some thought that when he went to Arriba, he spent some thought there, and that is where he received those revelations

    Upon this rock (revelation) will I build my church; Peter had a revelation

    They did not establish the church in Ephesus; it was Paul that started it. Paul was considered the messenger for that church age.

    God is established in what He does, He is unchangeable.

    We will try to identify who these other angels are.

    Paul was a man that was sold out to God and had much power and anointing.

    Paul is without questioned

    Acts 19:10, 1- ~ Paul pastored this church for about 2 years

    Paul established the church around 53 AD

    A local church that had an understanding of Pentecost, which started the church age

     

      1. The City

    Why did God select these churches? These seven churches have much type and their names have a lot of meaning also.

    Ephesus was on fire for God, fervent; Even an indication that they are overzealous.

    God never demeaned them to sell their land and live impoverished.

    They sold their lands and everything and they needed help because they became overzealous.

    At the day of Pentecost the church was flying high.

    Ephesus started out on fire, but now they are drifting

    Hebrews 2: - Give the more earnest heed, not to let them slip (in the Hebrew meaning drift) When something drifts it is carried downstream

     

    Great church, great city and know in total ruin.

    Revelation 2:1-

    Had to be a commitment of both sides, he will not hold you unless you are willing to be held.

     

     

     

     

      1. Commendation

    vs. 2, 3

     

        1. For their works
        2. Their labor
        3. Their patience

    It is so important to wait; We need to be very careful that we are jumpy

    The Lord not only gives you a commission but He also has a timetable of when you are to go

    We need all the teaching we can get, and we need the Holy Spirit.

    It is absolutely necessary – We can do nothing without Him

     

        1. Separation from evil

    If you compromise just a little, than where are you going to stop? We need to be graceful, know what we believe and stand for it, the whole cousel of the Word and do it in a graceful way.

     

        1. Discernment of falsehood

    It is so important to try the spirits.

    Judge not – He was speaking to Pharisees and Sadducees (religious leaders of that day)

    We are admonished to judge all things – but be careful that you are not doing the thing that you are judging.

      1. Complaint

    vs. 4

        1. Remember

    They didn’t lose their first love. They left their first love. (They know exactly where they were at, and where they should be, and how it could be if they returned)

     

        1. Repent

    Repentance: going one way – with the current; remembered the old life of righteousness, TURN and make my way back to the cross (change of mind and change of direction)

    Repent and do the first works – begin again

     

        1. Return

    Just because the church drifts, he will not just throw you away.

    The last church age church he will spew them out of His mouth – If he rejects the church, how does he reject them.

    Those that don’t drift and follow Him completely;

    Those that he spews out, he spews them out into judgment, in the time of tribulation and into persecution. He has great feeling for the church

    “When you hold out a one hand, hold the other hand up.” That way you cannot be hurt, too much. Friends can cut deep than any stranger.

    You have to be very careful with ministers – they can burn you really bad.

     

        1. Remove “or else” “I will come unto thee quickly and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent”

     

     

     

      1. Commendation

    vs. 6

    You gain more, with honey than you do with fire.

    Are we to be a ruler over the people? We are to be a leader and a servant.

    He our greatest example, He was a true servant.

    Foot-washing was a custom of that time, it was a need.

    Should we control them? We should lead them.

    How does the church run its business? On its knees

    They used to pray their pastors in; now they vote them in and check names and etc of the mind and no spirit lead decisions.

    There should be limitation and organizations but that should not take the place of God.

    At the turn of the century we didn’t have all these originations. They broke away.

    1913 – Jesus only broke away from the church

    Now it is headquarters; and that does not mean that you cannot serve God in a organization but they will usually try to run you and direct you to a certain way.

     

      1. Counsel

    Terms used in the Bible are often misappropriated.

    A babe is not a sheep but a lamp.

    Do the lamps know the voice of their Shepard? No, they have to be helped and instructed.

    My sheep know my voice and they follow me.

     

    A lot of thoughts that come through our mind that do not necessarily come from others and even us; But usually the devil is throwing his fiery darts.

    Whatever comes to you must line up with the Word. The Spirit and the Word agree, always.

    When he is come he will take the things of mine and reveal them unto you –

    When God speaks to you it will always have a deep meaning. The Lord does not talk frivolously. I need an ear, to hear what the spirit is saying, and have the revelation of his Word.

    The natural man understandeth not the things of the spirit for it is foolish.

    We need to have the Holy Spirit and we need to have an ear.

    Not everything that goes through the air is from God. Be very careful to obey – if the Holy Spirit says something to you and you do not obey, than you will probably find a long while before he visits again but if you obey, he will come again and again

    Be quick to obey

    He that overcomes – eat of the tree of life

    The fullness of the blessings of the Lord is not only for time, but for eternity. There is something for the overcomer to enjoy right now – a separated group.

    John was given a book and told to eat it. Revelations

    Feast, Live, Enjoy – the revelations of God

     

    Topical Studies

    Some Class Notes Part 2 of 2

    Theology

    12-2-05

     

    1. The Contents of the Second Letter

    Revelation 2:8-11

     

      1. The Messenger

    “Unto the angel of the church in Smyrna”

     

        1. Believed to be Iraneaus

     

        1. He was a disciple of Polycarp

     

        1. He was militant against any form of organization

    …having a form of godliness but denying the power thereof…

     

        1. He had much manifestation of the Holy Ghost

    Iraneaus was a great man, a praying man and he saw the miracles of God. We cannot expect to have the moving of God, if we do not have a committed prayer life. You need to make that commitment. If the study is taking from your prayer life, than something is wrong with your study. It is necessary; it is not just something you do.

    Really dedicate myself to prayer;

    Don’t pattern your life after anyone, find out what God has for you and obey him.

    Some have it in our life to be an Oral Roberts or somebody and they are destroyed.

     

        1. The Word was taught with original precepts

    He taught the Word with great boldness, and he was very knowledgeable about truth.

     

        1. The Gifts of the Spirit manifested in his churches

     

        1. The Saints spoke in tongues, prophesied, healed the sick and raised the dead

     

      1. The City

    “Smyrna”

        1. It was a commercial center

     

        1. It was distinguished for its schools or rhetoric, philosophy, medicine, sciences, and fine buildings

     

        1. Many Jews lived in Smyrna and bitterly opposed Christianity

    They accept Christianity is only a religion, not as a truth.

        1. The meaning of the name “Smyrna” Myrrh-Bitter

     

        1. Myrrh was used in embalming the dead

     

        1. It was a poor church in the midst of poverty – vs. 9, 10

    Revelation 2:2

     

        1. The Age lasted 170 to 312 A.D.

     

      1. Commendation

    vs. 9

        1. Their works – tribulation – poverty

    This age they say we have to don’t have to do anything. But He says to every church, I know thy works; they were necessary.

    Persecution will cause you to do two things: Turn to Him, or Turn away from Him

    We need to have patience under tribulation.

    Isaiah speaks of the Christian life as an eagle.

    Eagle: Finds a rock and that is his rock, soars in the midst of the winds, lifts him up

    Every rose has thorn;

     

        1. They were rich spiritually

    “But thou art rich”

    To be rich spiritually there has to be a dedication. Just to be poor does not guarantee spirituality.

    The church has never really prospered in prosperity.

    Grandma Reynolds – “Beware in the day when Pentecost becomes popular” (mid 1900s)

    Pentecost is now popular, but has changed its colors.

    The church today is not in poverty, but it is not spiritually rich.

     

        1. No complaint against the church

     

        1. The key to this age was tribulation

    You have to suffer to reign

    Hebrews 12:1

    If you follow him, expect to be hated and suffer.

    Not all people are going to be against you but not all people are going to be for you

     

        1. “Ten day” – “Ten years” vs. 10

    Under Diocletian cruelest of all emperors 302-312

    A time of great persecution that lasted ten years.

     

      1. Caution

    vs. 10

        1. Fear not

    “Fear none of these things”

    Fear should never rule in our hearts; the just shall live by faith

    Be faithful under persecution, poverty

    Expect you will be tried, and if you haven’t been, you will be tried.

    People will say great words about you, and than other times they will be stabbing you in the back. Some people will be your friends to your face and stab you in the back.

    (A lot of things were said but not said directly)

    Don’t be affected. It is nice to have someone say something about you, but you be faithful. Keep your guard up, not to let it affect you so.

     

        1. Be faithful

    “Be thou faithful”

     

        1. You will be tried

     

      1. Promise
        1. A gift

    “I will give”

    There are six different crowns spoken of in the scriptures, it is something you earn.

    Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee. The ones who are faithful will receive

     

        1. A crown of life

     

        1. Not hurt of the second death

    vs. 11

    Death was never a part of that original creation.

    Christ has redeemed us, (bought back – from death to life)

    Does everyone have to die?

    It is appointed unto man once to die, but after that the judgment. Are we going to be judged if we are under the blood? We are redeemed.

    Whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die… (The context was Lazareth’s death, physically)

     

      1. Counsel

    vs. 11

        1. Listen to the Spirit

    We have to have an ear to hear what the spirit is saying to the churches.

     

        1. Be an overcomer

    He that overcometh…

    He that overcomes shall never be hurt

    It has to be something that you and I do…

     

     

    1. The Content of the Third Letter

    Romans 2:11-17

     

      1. The Messenger

     

      1. The City

    Babylon was the foundation upon which the false religions came.

    Began with the church becoming imperial,

     

      1. Commendation

    vs. 13

        1. Their labor –

     

        1. Their stand under oppression

    Not a thing of location, but of character

    Even where Satan’s seat is, we can stand and it not affecting us.

    Don’t be diminished from the task, but be encouraged to fight harder.

     

        1. Did not deny His name

    “And thou holdest fast my name”

     

        1. Did not deny the faith

    “And hast not denied my faith”

     

        1. Was not affected by Martyrdom

    “Antipas was my faithful martyr”

    “Who was slain among you”

    They saw him, it probably had an affect on some, but

    (Gideon’s army, kept their eyes on the enemy while they were drinking)

     

      1. Complaint

    vs. 14, 15

    “But I have few things against thee”

      (This the Lord talking)

     

        1. Doctrine of Balaam

    In the first church age, it started out as deeds and now they have formulated it into doctrine.

    Numbers 25:1-9 (If you get them to sin, than you will get God to curse them, 24,000 people died because of a so called little sin)

     

        1. Doctrine of Nicolaitanes

    Doctrine of the Nicolaitanes: The Clergy ruling over the laity

     

     

      1. Caution

    vs. 16

     

     

     

      1. Counsel

    vs. 17

    Hidden Manna

    Psalm 105:37; Feed them with angel food – that is symbolic of spiritual food

    Ephesians 1:18

    I’m not really looking for the stone; I’m looking for the throne.

    He that overcomes

     

     

    Missed the Last Class 12-16-05

     

    1-6-06

    1. The Content of the Fifth Letter

    The Word of God should be paramount in our life. We should want to talk about the Bible all the time.

    If we are going to say that we are preachers, than we should live it.

     

      1. Caution

    We ourselves can be our greatest enemy.

    How do we strengthen ourselves? Waiting on the Lord

    There is a need for change, we have not been found perfect.

    It is not just a matter of doing something, and being a part of something. It is a matter of doing what is right. The church today is doing many things, but they are not the same church.

    The church of today has crossed mainstream with the world, but they are not the same church.

    Study to shew thyself approved: A workman that needeth not to be ashamed.

    We do not hold to everything. We hold to the Word.

    Hebrews 3:6 / 4:14 / 10:23

    He that endureth to the end shall be saved.

    When you know what the scripture says, than you need to hold onto that and not change.

    Hold Fast To Your Profession: What you have Heard, Received, and Know

    He is faithful, you can trust Him. Not one of his good words will fall to the ground.

    The change of mind always precedes the change of direction.

    You must repent when you fail. How can you repent past, present, and future for something that you do not even know if you will do?

    Revelation 2:5 / 2:16

    Repentance is stop doing it. His promises are true, His blood cleanses you from all sin.

    He is able to keep you, but you have to want to be kept – Jude 21

    Revelation 2:22

    If you sin today, you have to repent, if you are going to remain in Him.

    Revelation 3:3

    Revelation 3:19 ~ be zealous therefore and repent

    The doctrine that once you repent, you have repented for all time, is a false doctrine;

    You are eternally secure, as long as you remain in Him, but you have to walk in the light.

    Confess our sins, and Repent of our sins, and Stop doing it.

    Tears may be a sign of conviction, but change is the sign of repentance.

    He is not going to come till after the translation, till after the wedding. Revelation 19:7, 8

    There is always (I Thessalonians 4:17, 18) two comings, secretly, and literally.

    Matthew 24:29

    Revelation 3:4 ~ Thou hast a few names,

    It may not be the majority, but God has people everywhere.

     

      1. Commendation

    We have a responsibility to live right. Faith without works is dead.

    Enoch walked with God just before the flood, that was when men’s hearts were only evil continually.

    Every type must have a fulfillment: Enoch

    Three colors make up white: - red, yellow, and blue

    Red: the blood of Jesus / Yellow: represents gold, speaks of the divine life / Blue: represents the heavenly

    Some will be found worthy. It does not matter so much what people say, it matters more what people do.

    It is hard for people to accept what people are teaching if you know they are not living it.

    Your life speaks so loud, I can’t hear what you’re saying.

    If we are going to have an effective ministry, than we are going to have to live right.

      1. Counsel

    These same people believe there is a difference the book of life, and the lamb’s book of life. The book of life is a record that you are born. And the lamb’s book of life, you can never be blotted out of.

    Exodus 32:33

    Deuteronomy 29:16-20

    Psalm 69:21-28

    Revelation 22:19

    Revelation 13:8

    There is no difference between the book of life and the lamb’s book of life.

    Anyone that is born again and does not walk right, he is going to blot them out. Moses said blot me out for them, but God said he is going to blot them out that have sinned.

    Revelation 20:12, 15

    Revelation 13:8 ~ from then on it is called the book of life, but there is one more place it does say the lamb’s book of life

    The book of life and the lamb’s book of life are the same thing.

    If you can’t be lost once you are saved, then they have to make everything fit that.

     

    Don’t go out of here saying Bro. Reynolds said that, but go out of here saying the Word of God said that.

    Revelation 21:8

    There is a body of people that are not going to make it. There is no difference between the big liars and the little liars.

    Revelation 7:4 – 8:

     

    Juda

    Reuben

    Asher

    Nepthalim

    Manasses

    Simeon

    Levi

    Issachar

    Zabulon

    Joseph

    Benjamin

     

    - Dan, Ephraim

     

    Ephraim came out of Joseph

     

    Dan was the only tribe blotted out

    I Kings 12:25-30

    Rehoboam listened to the young men, and was harder, and became more evil

    Turned against the God of heaven, to the point that this tribe was blotted out; And Manasses took his place.

     

    Revelation 3:6 ~ He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit is saying

    Paul said: They would have: another gospel, another jesus, another spirit

     

    You don’t backslide over one thing. Backsliding is a process; it is something that you didn’t take care of, neglecting to the point, where you don’t feel like going on.

    When you sin, your name is immediately blotted out, you have to keep on and keep on and keep on till the point where you don’t feel like it is not a big deal anymore, sear your conscience.

    When your name is blotted out, only God knows, it is the grace of God.

     

    1-20-06

    The Contents of the Seventh Letter

    Revelation 3:14-

    The church of Laodiceans (Everyplace else it is the church in)

    Colossians 4:15-16

    A true prophet is known when what he says comes to pass.

    Matthew 24:23-27

    Scripture warns us that in last days there will many false prophets, with signs and wonders, false anointed

    I Timothy 4:1

    There are spirits convincing people of doctrines that are not found in the Word of God.

    II Timothy 4:3-4

    We are in an age where we have all kinds of conventions, but usually it is on a natural, physiological plain. (Saying stuff like, you have to touch your wife 18 times a day; where is that in the Bible – Now most of those relationships ended up in divorce) A humanistic view;

    Deal with problems; don’t try to cover up problems. Else it will only appear to have solved a problem, but in essence it will only come back and usually will be worse.

    The physiological view and physiological preaching will probably produce emotion but when it is all said and done with, when you leave you will feel empty.

    Just dramatics and illustrations, for the purpose of being seen is wrong and mislead the Gospel.

    Most of the students in Zion who practiced the dynamics and try to found their life on that did not make it.

    II Peter 2:1-2

    A lot of my own people; my own family goes to the weak, shallow church; And their life evidences that.

    If you are looking for a large number, than you are in the wrong place. Many do not want to hear the truth.

    Can a false prophet be distinguished by if he is true to the Word?

    Men can preach the Word and yet not live it. – A false prophet

     

    Grandpa in the ministry went through times when money was tight, where he did not even have enough money to buy a strap for his watch.

     

    Pastoral lesson: Watch your congregation, you can pretty much tell who’s where. When an evangelist comes, see who responds, the in and outers; or the saints of God. That is a good barometer.

    Remember it takes a spiritual man to minister to a spiritual people, but a carnal man will minister to the carnal.

     

    Paul wherever he went was constant barraged and persecuted.

     

    Bro. Branium, when I shook his hand, it was very humbling. He saw things in the spirit like we see in the natural. He wasn’t a fiery type of evangelist, but very powerful in his spirit. When he preached you would not like hear it but you would feel it.

     

    The Laodicean age is the last church age and it will end in judgment.

     

    Steel: In the fire, the fire affects it – In the atmosphere, the atmosphere affects it

    The environment around you will have an effect. Stay very close to him

     

    Galatians 6:3

    II Timothy 3:5

     

    TBN – Gets their money from the local church. In one telethon they raised 175 million dollars in only a couple of weeks

     

    Romans 10:3

    Our righteousness is nothing but filthy rages.

     

    I Timothy 6:5

    Supposing that gain is godliness

     

    Luke 6:25

    Their whole focus is on the riches. There will come a day; when it will come to naught.

     

    Should we ever come to a place where we don’t feel like we have a need? Every day, and today and the next day, I need Him more now than I did yesterday.

    It will not just happen, you have to awaken yourself. We have a need: I need Him more today than yesterday. You will only make by how much you feel and sense His need.

     

    Proverbs 12:15

    Amos 8:11

     

     

     

     

    1-27-06

    Laodicean: means people’s rights (ruled by the people); Greek pronunciation, decayed

    Revelation 3:16 ~ lukewarm

    Isaiah 29:13 ~ fear towards me is taught by the precepts of men

    The service that went to last night (Bro. Williams church), the service disturbed me very much. I have been around this congregation for a long time. Bro. James Williams preached a very straight Gospel, and you would not have seen what you have seen last night. All that stuff came into the congregation, when Bro. Williams lost his eyesight.

    The Lord is after our heart. You can tell a lot by people’s actions, and not so much by what they say.

    You will face people saying to you everyone is doing it but that does not make it right.

    Demons can talk in tongues.

    People today don’t seem to have discernment. And exonerate that instead of correct that, stand against.

    The Lord is after your heart and if He can get your heart, than He can get your commitment.

    Mark 7:6

    Timothy says they have a form of godliness, but deny the power thereof. (I Timothy 3:5)

    There has to be a separation in the life of the believer, from the world.

    I John 2:15 ~ love not the world – neither the things in the world

    It is not altogether the fact of the jewelry, but why do they do that.

    What we say should agree with how we live and how we conduct ourselves.

    1962, when I first got into this, there were 13 other Pentecostal churches in this area, and they all preached a separation from the world.

    There is coming a marked division in Pentecost, and they laughed at me. But it came to be in less that six months, I thought in about a year.

    Come out from among them and be ye separate… (II Corinthians 6:17)

    Used to be a saying that the church is becoming so worldly that you can’t tell the difference between the world and the church; but now the church is becoming worldlier than the world.

    The preacher cannot live the life for the individuals, but he should at least live it. Most congregations will at least follow how the preacher lives it.

    They say it is all right, God sees the heart – It is not all right, it is a lie.

    There has to be something wrong in the heart, for it to come out in their living.

    You must have some gut, some grit, and some backbone. (If you go with the flow, they will pat you on the back) But if you build again the things which you once destroyed than you make yourself a transgressor. (Galatians 2:18)

    God hears the effectual, fervent prayer of a “righteous” man.

    If you preach this Gospel you will not apply to the majority.

    Paul admonished Timothy to preach the Word. The time will come when men will have itching ears, looking for preaching that will sooth their flesh. Kill the flesh and dressing up the spirit.

    Give no place to the devil. Just because you got by makes no difference, we have to live by the Word.

    Titus 1:16 ~ they profess they know God – works they deny them

     

    Where will you receive revelation – On your knees in the closet

     

    Paul only asked believers to follow him as he followed Christ (as I follow Christ) And that is not what they were interested in.

    “Know it – Know why you know it – Know how you know it”

    We do not go along with the blindness, we try to show them the way, live right.

    “Naked” Revelation 16:15

    A lot of times a preacher may be impressive, but what did they say

    It is not something we put on, but something that we have on the inside.

    Isaiah 55:1

    Works with Faith is Dead Works

    Faith without Works is Dead Faith

    James 2:22

    Gold is a type of the nature of God

    You will not receive too much behind the curtain until you die out to self.

    Revelation 4:

    The Overcomer will receive truth. If any man will let him in; Behold He stands at the door and knocks.

    Revelation 3:22

     

     

     

    2-3-06

    On

    Make it a part of your life, not only knowledge wise, but in experience. Process:

    The first phase of the first resurrection has already taken place, when Christ rose, and the graves arose, and there are other phases. Martyrs will rise;

     

    The book of Revelation was written around sometime of 97 A.D.

    The Lord was caught up about 30, 34 A.D.

    Keep in mind: we are dealing with things that are future.

    How can we grasp celestial beauty with a trestle mind.

     

     

    2-10-06

    - page 28

    (3) By Elders –

    Ephesians 4:13

    Hebrews 5:13, 14

    Elders: has to do with rank, position and responsibility

    I Corinthians 14:20

    There has to be a development spiritually

    I John 2:14 ~ talking about fathers of the faith, they have developed, grown up

    There are differences of levels. The seed sown, the same Word produces different results.

    Constantly taking care of that, to grow

    Angels throughout the scriptures are never referred to as elders. Angels never grow old.

    Revelation 5:8, 9

    Angels never can be saved. They cannot sing that song, the song of redemption.

    The twelve patriots and apostles were Jews.

    It is talking about elders coming out of every kindred, tribes, and nations. Not just Jews;

    Crowns are never given for gifts; they are only given for rewards.

    24 was a figurative number,

     

    4:6 ~ beasts

    Beasts: Greek; meaning living creatures that have life in them

    Who are these four living creatures? They are not angels, seraphims, nor cerabrums,

    Cerebums are always guarding something, the garden, over the ark

    Seraphims are always in a place of worship

    Hebrews 1:13, 14

    Angels position and job is to minister; they go between God and man.

     

    -----

    Probably an angel preaching in the church;

    You’re a sinner if you’re not paying your tithes, and that is not money that is time, in prayer.

    (I get up at 5 am)

    -----

     

    Four beasts singing the song of redemption

     

    The Lamb was in the middle; the elders around the lamb; and four beasts, living creatures around

    The elders are overcomers…

    Four beasts – lion, calf, face of a man, flying eagle

    They are seen in heaven immediately after the rapture (which takes part in the middle or the tribulation)

    Each one of the apostles has a position in the twelve foundations.

    The church is the body of Christ. The church being the body of the Christ ought to portray the characteristics of Christ.

     

    These numbers are figurative. (4 and 20 elders, 4 beasts)

     

     

    4. The Throne is Judgment

    Seven spirits of God

    Isaiah 11:2-4 ~ seven manifestations of the one spirit

    It is one spirit, but seven manifestations.

    There one Holy Spirit, the same spirit manifesting itself in separate distinct ways.

    Isaiah 42:1

     

     

     

     

    Revelation 17:9 – the seven mountains

    Hills and mountains are not the same thing.

    II Chronicles 18:16 ~

    Jeremiah 30:11

    Nahum 3:18

    Zachariah 7:14

     

    If you listen to your radio you will find they are promoating the catholic church. These false churches are moving together.

    William Branium: said … will use two man to bring the world cousel of churches together, Billy Graham and Oral Roberts.

    II Thessalonians 2:3

     

     

    --- Page 29 ----

    Revelation 21:18

    The beauty of that city is beyond anything that is natural.

    Exodus 24:10

    Revelation 21:21

    We are so wimpish when it comes to fight for God; we seem to fight so hard for the world, to stay in the world; but why don’t we fight hard for God, to stay in the things of God.

    Paul said it like this, often knocked down, but never knocked out. Get up, go on, serve God, and be faithful.

    It is worth it; don’t have the full concept of it all. If people could only understand, He is worth it.

     

     

    >. The Four and Twenty Elders

     

    Remember these crowns are given to us as rewards for attainments. Something that you attain to;

    Overcoming and rejoicing, even in the hard place.

    II Timothy 4:8

    Eternal life is gift, you can’t receive a reward for a gift.

    If you don’t use what you have He said He will take it from you and give it to somebody else.

     

    Hebrews 8:5

    Apostles: sent ones

     

    The Tabernacle

    Everything is a pattern of heaven

    God has revelation for us to grasp,

    Not everyone in the body of Christ will have a lion like nature.

     

    Judah represented Israel

    Epraham represented Israel

    Reuben represented Israel

    Dan represented Israel

     

     

    3-10-06

    These were a pattern of things in heaven.

     

    East: has to do with the past, history

    (The wise men came from the east, they were learned and educated men)

    West: has to do with the future

    (one scripture says, possess thou the west)

    South: is always the lower part, having to do with man

    ( )

    North: has the high part, the eagle

    (Takes God working a miracle, to take us from the south to the north

     

    Cast all your care upon him,

     

    <9:10 – an illustration>

     

    Greater is he that is in you, stand in opposition to the devil,

     

    Resist the devil and he will flee – You have to know where your at, what you have, and walk in his power in you.

    If you play with devils, you have to know you have it, but if you have it, walk boldly.

    He knew what he had, and he knew it was real.

     

    The world is in trouble, and they need something more than people getting up and saying some nice things.

     

    Don’t let people influence you. Know what you believe, and know what you know is the Bible.

    Don’t let people compromise your convictions.

    Convictions: something you can live by and if necessary die for

     

    You have a responsibility to share this message, wherever you go.

    He can open your eyes that are both physical and spiritual.

     

    People will say, God sees my heart – that may pass in the beginning, but once you know, than you become accountable.

     

    Revelation 1:1 – when he talks about literal, than it is literal

     

    We use 2/10 of one percent of our brain.

     

    The church is in a position that is less than the overcomer.

     

    …The children of this world are wiser than we are… But we should be wiser than this world

     

    Why haven’t we advanced in the spiritual realm, we are sort of in the horse and buggy days.

     

    Kept by the power of God (Through “FAITH”)

    Faith is a key, the key

     

    Inheritance who are kept by the power of God (Not a part of sin, the world, or the backslidden church.)

     

    There has got to be an demonstration of God’s power in this last days.

     

    Why do people go off – They strain at getting a revelation (If God gives you something, wonderful – But if it doesn’t come from this book, it is a lie)

     

    There is two ways to get rid of an enemy – destroy them or join them

     

    I Timothy 4:1 – doctrine of devils

    A preacher said, “There will come a day when I will walk down the streets of gold hand and hand with devil” (That is a deceived, reprobate mind)

     

    You don’t have to have something far out, to be inspired.

    Stay within the scripture.

     

    In heaven we are going to be busy, Heaven is an active place.

     

    If you can’t make it now, how in the world are you going to make it?

     

    Genesis 1:1

    In the beginning God created

    A plural noun with a singular verb (God)

     

    God will pour out the fullness of his presence in the last days.

    There is a time element.

    Hebrews 11:13, 39, 40

    There is that time element,

     

    It will take that demonstration of God, in the life of the body,

    They without us are made perfect…They can be raised up

     

    It is us that have the problem, we stagger at the promises of God.

    But Abraham did not stagger –

    …believing what he has promised he is well able to perform…

     

     

    3-24-06

    The book of Revelation was written around 97 A.D.

     The devil and his angels inspire men to be so wicked. And mark it down that they will not escape judgment.

     

    I want to help you understand what this book is all about.

    Genesis 1:26-27 ~ God has given to Adam the earth, to rule it, control it, and have dominon over it.

    God is giving it to Adam as a possession.

    It used to belong to the Lucifer, and Lucifer fell and lost it. God judged the devil and the earth. Than God restored it to a beautiful state and gave it to Adam

    The devil accomplished what he set out to do, to gain control of the earth again. By getting Eve and Adam to sin;

    II Corinthians 4:4 ~ Satan is in control, because man sinned and lost his inheritance. And because he lost his inheritance he is under the control and dominion of the god of this world. The devil;

    Jesus said, “Forgive them, for they know not what they do.” The god of this world has blinded them.

     

    Revelation 5:9 ~ They are singing about redemption.

    In the Old Testament there was a law, after a man that has sold himself, either he or a relative has the right to redeem them, and buy them back. Also God gave them another picture of redemption, every fifty years they were to blow the trumpets, the Day of Atonement. No matter what they were doing, they dropped their stuff and went home.

    Jacob gave Joseph the double-portion, because he was the first born of Rachael. The extra portion was given to Joseph by Jacob that he took out of the hand of the Amorites by the sword, the only time that Jacob is mentioned have used a sword.

    His property given by inheritance and on his travels, when he came back, Amorites were on it and they would not leave, so he pulled out his sword and drove them off his land.

     

    Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold of eternal life.

     

    On the larger picture, the earth was man’s inheritance that he gave up for sin.

    Genesis 2:17 ~ He spiritually died that day, and lost his relationship with the Lord,

    Genesis 3:19 ~

    Ezekiel 18:4 ~ the soul that sinneth it shall die

    Genesis 3:17 ~

    3 definite things: Spiritual death, Physical death, and A curse on the land that God had given them.

    Redemption means buying back.

    Man has a spiritual redemption, and also a physical redemption. Do we really believe that.

    Redemption has to take in all that was.

    Naboth refused to move the landmarks of his inheritance. He lost his life, but God sees and his reward is great.

     

    Understanding the laws is important: laws of possession, and laws of inheritance

    Adam lost the land and than the devil took possession of the land.

    Possession of the land is temporary, inheritance is forever.

    Leviticus 25:23-25

    Ephesians 1:13, 14 ~ 14: applilitocias, complete state of release (redemption)

    Just as sure as God promised it, it will come to pass

     

    Revelation 5:9, 10 ~ reign on the earth, we are going to get back our inheritance through the

     

    What is judgment for, to judge people, and to judge the devil.

    A lot of people believe, what that scroll contains is the title deed to the earth.

    The devil is not going to want to give up the land.

     

    *

     

    Some even in Pentecost believe that the seals have already been open. But the seals will not be open until the Rapture has taken place.

     

    God gives us great power, but we also need to have a lamb nature.

    Ephesians 1:6 Accepted in the beloved

    The devil had power enough to deceive a third part of the angels. And this is his last stance, he will deceive many nations. But he will be cast into lack of fire, never to deceive anyone again.

     

    3-31-06

    We must keep in mind that we are dealing with the Godhead. The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit are all eternal, they always were.

    I Corinthians 6:3 ~ The Church, we will even judge angels

    Does God release his judgment on his people? Yes, Israel faced judgment when it was rebellious and sinful.

    Persecution, God is releasing judgment through people.

    Revelation 3:15-19

     

    II Kings 6:17

    Horses a manifestation of God’s power

     

    Job 39:19-25

     

    Zechariah 1:8-10

    Night having to do with judgment

    Are they

     

    Zechariah 6:2-5

    There is the element of judgment in these horses.

    Job 39:19-

    He used these symbolic to us to show us He is going to bring judgment.

     

    2 Things about Horses:

    (Horses used as a symbol, that the judgment of God will come and will not turn aside.)

     

    There is no judgment that is going to stand up against God.

    The long suffering of God is great.

     

    Matthew 25:

    Salvation is not all that is necessary to be a part of the church.

    He is not going to come today. There are two things that must happen – a great falling away, and the man of sin be revealed.

    The man of sin will not come as a beast of man in the beginning. He will be a peacemaker, a man of flattery and great orator.

    The anti-Christ is going to come in as a man of peace.

     

    Matthew 10:17, 19: 24:9

    Mark 13:9, 11

    There is going to come a time when the church is going to have to turn back to God to survive.

     

    Zachariah 6:1

    Brass always symbolic of judgment

    Out from between two mountains of brass

     

     

    Paul said we know the times and the seasons. But the angel said no man knows the day, the exact day and hour.

     

     

     

    Revelation 6

    White is always likened to righteousness, and righteous judgment.

    Bow at that time was an instrument of war.

    Habakkuk 3:8, 9 ~ His bow was His word

    The Lord’s arrows are His Word.

    His Word was exposed, revealed and not just revealed but revealed in power.

     

     

    Revelation 6:2 ~ conquering and to conquer

    This does not speak of God Word being preached, do you see that in the land now, No.

     

     

    Isaiah 26:9

    It does not say they will do righteousness but that they will know righteousness.

     

    Psalm 64:7, 9

    God is going to judge the world in righteousness

     

    Psalm 110:3

    Thy people shall be willing, in the day of thy power

    Beauties of holiness

     

    Daniel 12:10

    Purified, made white, and tried

     

    Joel 2:32

     

    Zephaniah 3:8, 9

    There is coming a time when they will learn righteousness. When God pours out his wrath, this is when he will go forth conquering and to conquer.

     

    Let scripture interpret scripture.

     

    SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES ~ DAILY

     

    4-14-06

    Because iniquity would abound the love of many would wax cold.

    The world will not get better just because God is dealing with His people

    Praying Hyde went 65 days without eating before he died.

     

    For a person to get to the point where they will cook their own children and cooking them to eat; they had to be to the place where they were out of their minds.

     

    Compromise comes from the leadership.

    Luke 21:23

     

    Whenever you find whoa in the scripture it is a time of distress.

     

    1968-1969 ~ We were buying a loaf of bread for 11 cents

    Today we pay much more than that.

     

    Saying a man will work from morning to night to make a days substance.

     

    Can’t get away from it, the “mercy of God”

    The Mercy, the Mercy, the Mercy of God…what a thought

     

     

    God is looking for people that will follow Him. You don’t have to go live in some cave somewhere, you can live in this world but not be a part of this world. You can live right.

     

    5-5-06

    Even in judgment God remembers mercy.

    Hebrews – Only that which cannot be shaken will remain

     

     

     

     

    5-12-06

    4. The Palm-Bearing Multitude

     

    Revelation 7:9-17 9 After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; 10 And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb. 11 And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God, 12 Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen. 13 And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they? 14 And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 15 Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them. 16 They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. 17 For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.

     

    If you can identify who they are not, than it seems to be easier to identify who they are.

     

    Daniel 12:10 …the wicked shall do wickedly…

    It is getting a whole lot worse, sin is ever abounding.

     

    Will some go to heaven and even suffer lose. Everything that we do will be tried by fire. There are motives to why we do things.

    If I was going to keep the bills paid, I would have to be a politician. I learned on the Cap, pasturing. It averaged between 25-30 a week. Which would not pay the bills. And in the congregation there was some members with a good job. But when I put the money down and let them come, then they wanted to be seen so they brought their money down to be shown.

    Some will get in as by fire. Different people will receive different awards. There are different levels.

    Some will produce 60, some 80, some 100. People will receive different rewards. Some will have a trumpet entry.

     

    Always let God receive the honor. If the Lord should use you, give glory to Him. The devil would like to pat you on the back.

     

    Chapter 8: Opening of the Seventh Seal

    Revelation 8:1 And when he had opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven about the space of half an hour.

     

    à Study Questions

     

    Just because the devil fell from the status that he was placed in, does not mean that he is without power.

     

     

    What do the angels in response to the devil, do.

     

    We pray to the Father but through the Son. Our prayer to the Son, who in turn gives them to the Father.

     

    Acts 2:3 ~ Not burning them but empowering them

     

    God’s presence is a consuming fire

    His fire is both a consuming fire and also a empowering fire

     

    Revelation 8:3-5 3 And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne. 4 And the smoke of the incense, which came with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God out of the angel's hand. 5 And the angel took the censer, and filled it with fire of the altar, and cast it into the earth: and there were voices, and thunderings, and lightnings, and an earthquake.

     

    The life and death of the Son of God is that incense. The Life of Christ is the fulfillment of that census.

     

     

    Topical Studies

    [archived] Song of the 144,000

    #Song of the Hundred and Forty-Four Thousand

    ##INTRODUCTION Revelation 13 concludes with a gloomy tale of a reign of darkness. In Chapter 13 we read of two terrible beasts and their great deception against those who would receive the Beast's mark. Chapter 14 opens with a glorious scene featuring firstly the Lamb and secondly 144,000 redeemed souls who were marked, but it was God the Father's name on their forehead! We find the details surrounding the Song of this 144,000 in Revelation 14:1-5.

    ##The Lamb on Mount Sion (vs. 1)

    And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion,

    ###The Lamb

    The "Lamb" appears in 27 verses throughout Revelation and His identity cannot be mistaken!

    Revelation 5:6—And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth.
    John 1:29—The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.

    ####Was Slain

    the Lamb that was slain unto the Lamb for ever and ever. the wrath of the Lamb: made them white in the blood of the Lamb. overcame him by the blood of the Lamb the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.

    ####Standing in the midst of the Throne

    Revelation 22:3—And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him:

    #####And the four beasts, and the elders (5:6) #####With the Sealed Book [WAS slain!] (5:8; 6:1) #####With Wrath (6:16) #####With an Innumerable Multitude worshipping before Him (7:9) #####Feeding and Leading the Innumerable Multitude (7:17) #####Overcoming those that Make War with Him (17:14) #####Marrying His Bride (19:7; 21:9) #####As the Temple (21:22) #####As the Light (21:23) #####Having a Book of Life (21:27) #####Having a Pure River of Water Proceeding out of His Throne (22:1)

    ###Standing on Mount Sion

    Psalm 87—His foundation is in the holy mountains. 2 The LORD loveth the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob. 3 Glorious things are spoken of thee, O city of God. Selah. 4 I will make mention of Rahab and Babylon to them that know me: behold Philistia, and Tyre, with Ethiopia; this man was born there. 5 And of Zion it shall be said, This and that man was born in her: and the highest himself shall establish her. 6 The LORD shall count, when he writeth up the people, that this man was born there. Selah. 7 As well the singers as the players on instruments shall be there: all my springs are in thee.

    Matthew 21:5 and John 12:15 say to Tell the daughter of Sion that her King is coming to her! Hebrews 12:22 says the Believer has not come to a smoking and burning physical mountain that cannot be touched but unto Mount Sion the City of the Living God.

    Hebrews 12:22—But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels,

    The word "zion" expresses ideas of strength and permanence such as a fortress, monument, or landmark.

    Zion is called both the city of David (1 Kings 8:1; 1 Chronicles 11:5; 2 Chronicles 5:2) and the city of God. The fortress was considered so impenetrable they mocked David saying he would not be able to take fortress even with blind and lamb sentries on guard. David captured the Jebusite fortress in 2 Samuel 5:7:

    Nevertheless David took the strong hold of Zion: the same is the city of David.

    Mount Zion is also the highest and southernmost mount of Jerusalem, rising about twenty-five hundred feet above the Mediterranean, but Scripture emphasizes Mount Zion more as a Spiritual concept and less as a physical place. Mount Zion is most importantly understood as the people of God.

    Psalm 48:2—Beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth, is mount Zion, on the sides of the north, the city of the great King. 12 Walk about Zion, and go round about her: tell the towers thereof. 13 Mark ye well her bulwarks, consider her palaces; that ye may tell it to the generation following. 14 For this God is our God for ever and ever: he will be our guide even unto death.

    ##The 144,000 (vs. 1-2)

    and with him an - hundred forty and four thousand, - having his Father's name written in their foreheads.

    2 And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder:

    and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps:

    ##A New Song (vs. 3-5)

    3 And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand,

    	which were redeemed from the earth.
4 These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. 
These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. 
These were redeemed from among men, 
being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb.
5 And in their mouth was found no guile: 
for they are without fault before the throne of God.
    Topical Studies

    [archived] Babylon is Fallen

    Second Message – "Babylon is Fallen" (vs. 8)

    Revelation 14:8—And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.

    With the hour of judgment comes the work of judgment. The messengers of God are busy declaring the mind of God. The same cry is made both in chapter 14 and chapter 18.

    Revelation 14:8—…Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.

    Revelation 18:2,3—…Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, … 3 For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication,…

    This cry is declaring something in the future and yet the sense of the declaration is given as though it is already past. When God says it, future judgment is no less definite than history. Because He is sovereign, God calls things that aren't as though they were. The utter destruction of Babylon is certain.

    ###What Babylon is Destroyed

    Babylon is fallen

    ####A Place and Its Religious System

    There are some that make a great difference between the Mystery Babylon in Chapter 17 and the City of Babylon in Chapters 14 and 18, but both "Babylons" are two parts of the same thing: 1) a place 2) a system. The emphasis is put on the system in the 17th chapter and in 14:8 and the 18th Chapter the emphasis is on the city itself.

    ####Literally, the City of Babylon

    ####Emphasis Should be on the Reason for her Destruction

    Believers can and do differ over what Babylon literally is, but it is important to unite in emphasizing what the Scripture does say about it. "Babylon" will be destroyed because of her false teaching and murder of the saints.

    The name Babylon is the Greek form of the Hebrew name Babel. Throughout the Bible, Babylon is a symbol of the confusion caused by godlessness.

    The unveiling of the real enemy is found in what Babylon DOES and SAYS and not an inherent evil because of where it can be found on a map or because of historical sentiment towards it. The City of Rome or even the area near Baghdad, Iraq are only in danger of God's Wrath for the same reasons any people or nation will suffer judgment—if they set themselves as the enemies of God.

    #####Not Just Rome

    Babylon, who is the Mother of Harlots (17:5) and the Habitation of Devils (18:2) is fallen. As Rome, Italy (or more specifically Vatican City) has been instrumental in both Christian martyrdom and the spread of false doctrine, this prophecy concerning the fall of the City of Babylon is generally believed to be a prediction concerning the city of Rome, Italy. This interpretation is seemingly influenced by the long standing prejudice of the Protestant church historically at war with the Roman Catholic church.

    The passage does not say Rome, but it does say Babylon. To be consistent in our method of interpretation of the this great Book, we will interpret Babylon literally as the city originally built by Nimrod in the land of Shinar and rising and falling throughout history, but being utterly destroyed in the Day of God's Wrath. Truly, Babylon is the birth place of the false doctrine woven throughout Roman Catholicism and not the other way around (i.e., Mother-Infant worship).

    The Roman Catholic church is not the only religious system guilty of spiritual adultery. God would not be justified in sparing one and punishing another unrepentant group for the identical criminal act. Babylon is not just Rome. It is bigger than that. It is an apostate religious world.

    #####Not Utterly Destroyed, Yet

    The City of Babylon was situated in the Land of Shinar on the Euphrates River, about 50 miles south of modern Baghdad, Iraq. Although Babylon was effectively eliminated as an empire when it was taken by the Medes and Persians after the 70 year Jewish exile, all prophecies concerning it have not yet been entirely fulfilled.

    The conquering empire of Persia did not destroy Babylon, but instead made it a royal city. Babylon appears importantly in history 500 years after Christ, for it was at Babylon that Jewish Academics compiled the Talmud (the basis of all codes of Jewish Law). Also Modern Day Bahgdad, Iraq stands near the original location of Babylon.

    Isaiah 13:6,19-22; Jeremiah 50:40; 51:64 and Revelation 14:8; 17; 18 give an image of an extreme and absolute destruction not yet seen. Much of this has been fulfilled, but not all will be fulfilled until the Day of the Lord (Isaiah 13:6).

    Isaiah 13:19,20—And Babylon, the glory of kingdoms, the beauty of the Chaldees' excellency, shall be as when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah. 20 It shall never be inhabited, neither shall it be dwelt in from generation to generation: neither shall the Arabian pitch tent there; neither shall the shepherds make their fold there.

    Jeremiah 51:64 And thou shalt say, Thus shall Babylon sink, and shall not rise from the evil that I will bring upon her: and they shall be weary. Thus far are the words of Jeremiah.

    #####Rebuilding Babylon

    Babylon will fall, but first it must be rebuilt. Before her utter destruction that will take place in the Day of the Lord's Wrath, the city of Babylon will first become instrumental in centralizing apostasy. What the Vatican is for just 1.2 Billion Roman Catholics, Babylon will arise for the greatest apostate ecumenical group the world has ever seen. Read Zechariah 5:5-11.

    Zechariah 5:10,11— Then said I to the angel that talked with me, Whither do these bear the ephah? 11 And he said unto me, To build it an house in the land of Shinar: and it shall be established, and set there upon her own base.

    ###How Babylon is Destroyed

    Babylon is destroyed by fire

    Revelation 18:18—And cried when they saw the smoke of her burning, saying, What city is like unto this great city!

    Revelation 18:21— And a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone, and cast it into the sea, saying, Thus with violence shall that great city Babylon be thrown down, and shall be found no more at all.

    Isaiah 13:19-20; Jeremiah 50:40.

    ###When Babylon is Destroyed

    Revelation 18:10—…in one hour is thy judgment come.

    ###Why Babylon is Destroyed

    Babylon is destroyed because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.

    What is the wine that she made all nations to drink? False doctrines. As harlots would utilize love potions and intoxicating drinks so Babylon has used false doctrine to

    2 Thessalonians 2:10-12—And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: 12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

    All who drank of her wine are guilty of spiritual adultery or idolatry.

    Third Message – "Drinking of the Wrath of God" (vs. 9-11)

    Topical Studies

    Archived Textbook

    Revelation.html

    Teaching Audio List

    40 Audio Lessons.

    Revelation 1:1-9

    Revelation 1:10-20

    Revelation 2:1-17

    Revelation 2:18-29; 3:1-13

    Revelation 4

    Revelation 5

    Revelation 6-8 (overview)

    Revelation 6:1-8

    Revelation 6:9-17; 7:1-8

    Revelation 7:9-17; 8:1

    Revelation 8:2-5

    Revelation 8-9

    Revelation 9:12-21

    Revelation 11:1-2

    Revelation 11:3-13

    Revelation 12:1,2

    Revelation 12:2-5

    Revelation 12:3-4

    Revelation 12:7-12

    Revelation 12:6, 13-16

    Revelation 12:17

    Revelation 13:1-10

    Revelation 13:11-18

    Revelation 14:1-5

    Revelation 14:6-7

    Revelation 14:8

    Revelation 14:9-13

    Revelation 14:14-20

    Revelation 15

    Revelation 16

    Revelation 17

    Revelation 18

    Revelation 19:1-6

    Revelation 19:7-10

    Revelation 19:11-13

    Revelation 19:14-21

    Revelation 20:1-3, 7-10

    Revelation 20:11-15

    Revelation 20:4-6

    Revelation 21

    Revelation 22:6-21

    Revelation 22:7